Algeria has blocked its airspace for France’s military planes that were set to intervene in Niger and free President Mohamed Bazoum who was deposed in a coup on July 26, Algerian state media reports. In a “firm” and “unequivocal” response, Algeria turned down a French government request to fly over its national territory to attack Niger, Radio Algerie reported on Monday, August 21. ALSO READ: African Union rejects military intervention in Niger The country also rejected military intervention proposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to engage military leaders if they don’t reinstate Bazoum. Algeria has called for “a negotiated political solution,” to the Niger crisis to avoid a “spiral of violence” in the region. Following Algeria’s refusal, the French government asked Morocco for authorisation for French military planes, the Algerian broadcaster reported. However, the French army has denied it made a request to fly over the Algerian territory, Reuters reported on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Niger coup leader says to hand over power in three years Despite ECOWAS’s call on the military leaders to release Bazoum and restore constitutional order, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council is also reported to have rejected the proposed military intervention. ALSO READ: African Union hosts Niger talks The military leader in Niger, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, on July 19 announced a three-year transition back to civilian rule, which the 15-member ECOWAS bloc has rejected. ALSO READ: Niger military to prosecute former President for treason Tchiani, who spoke following a visit by an ECOWAS delegation to meet Bazoum in the capital Niamey, said the military leaders were open for talks. The African Union on Tuesday suspended Niger from the continental bloc's activities, but has backtracked on it's initial support for a military intervention to remove the military leadership.
