According to state radio, Algeria has rejected a French request to utilise its airspace for a military action in Niger.
According to state radio, Algeria rejects any foreign military intervention in neighbouring Niger and supports diplomatic efforts to restore constitutional order.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the largest regional organisation in West Africa, announced last week that it has decided on an unnamed “D-Day” for a potential military intervention if diplomatic attempts fail. This escalation might further destabilise an already unstable and impoverished region. According to a government source acquainted with the matter, Algeria has frequently stated that it is opposed to any foreign military engagement in the Sahel region because it fears the effects, such as an inflow of migrants into its territory.
The source, who wished to remain anonymous, told Reuters: “We are against the coup but we are against a military action that would worsen the situation in Niger and elsewhere in the Sahel.” An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by French officials.
