The coup leaders in Niger have closed the nation's airspace until further notice, in response to a threat of military intervention from neighboring countries.

The flight tracking site "Flight Radar 24" shows that there are currently no planes in the skies over Niger.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had earlier warned that it might use force if the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not restored to power by 11:00 PM GMT on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the military council stated that the armed forces in Niger are prepared to defend the country.
Bazoum was detained on July 26, and General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who is the head of the presidential guard, later declared himself the new leader of the country.

The military takeover has been condemned internationally, including by France, the former colonial power in the country, as well as other European Union countries, the United Nations, and the United States.

The military council's representative in Niger, while reading a statement broadcast by the national television on Sunday, said they have information indicating that a "foreign force" is preparing to attack Niger.

ECOWAS army leaders stated after an emergency meeting in Nigeria on Friday that they have drawn up a detailed plan for the potential use of force.

Abdelfattah Moussa, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, said: "A plan has been established for all elements that will be used in any potential (military) intervention, including the necessary resources and how and when we will deploy the force."

He added: "We want diplomacy to succeed, and we want to convey this message clearly to them [the military council in Niger] that we are giving them every possible opportunity to withdraw from what they have done."

The group had issued its ultimatum a week prior, demanding that the generals relinquish power by midnight Sunday local time, which has passed without compliance.

ECOWAS is a regional trade bloc comprising 15 countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Ghana.

The coup leaders appear to show no signs of willingness to relinquish power. Thousands of their supporters gathered on Sunday in a stadium in Niamey, the capital of Niger.

Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger's neighboring countries, previously declared that they would treat any foreign military intervention in Niger as a "declaration of war" against them. Burkina Faso and Mali are members of ECOWAS, but their membership has been suspended after military councils took power in those countries.

Niger is an important producer of uranium, a vital fuel for nuclear energy, and under Bazoum, the country was a key ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region of West Africa.

Niger Coup: The Basics:
Where is Niger located? It is a vast country in West Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world.

Why did the coup happen? The military stated that it seized power due to insecurity and a poor economic situation, but there were hints that it occurred after reports indicated that the coup leader would be dismissed.

What happens next? There are fears that the military may seek to shift its allegiance to Russia and close French and American bases in the country, while Niger's neighbors threaten to use force to end the coup.