The military leaders of Niger Republic have taken a significant step by reopening the nation’s airspace to all commercial flights, as reported by a spokesperson from the transport ministry on Monday, according to information provided by Reuters.

This move comes after the junta had previously closed Niger’s airspace on August 6, following their seizure of power through a coup.

Initially, the closure had been justified by citing the perceived threat of military intervention from the West African regional bloc.

Surprisingly, the junta did not immediately provide a specific reason for their decision to lift the flight ban.

The closure had imposed significant disruptions, compelling carriers like Air France and other European airlines to suspend certain flights and opt for longer routes across the African continent.

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It’s noteworthy that Niger, a landlocked country, occupies an expanse more than twice the size of France, and many flight routes across Africa would conventionally pass through its airspace.

The junta’s actions had transpired against the backdrop of a regional ultimatum.

The West African regional bloc had given the junta a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been ousted from his government position on July 26, 2023.

n response, the junta had shut down its airspace indefinitely, effectively signaling their defiance against the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Interestingly, Burkina Faso and Mali had expressed their readiness to support Niger in the event of ECOWAS intervention.

However, ECOWAS, faced with the complexities of the coup in Gabon and the junta’s steadfastness, has subsequently shifted its focus towards diplomatic solutions, prioritizing dialogue over military action.