Reopening of the borders between Niger and Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad by military leaders

The military leaders who orchestrated the recent coup in Niger have announced the reopening of the country’s land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad.

On Tuesday night, this decision was publicly declared by Colonel Major Amadou Abdaramane, a spokesperson for the National Council for the People’s Safeguard (CNSP), citing a decree signed by the CNSP president, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

The borders were closed last Wednesday following the coup, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum’s removal and the constitution’s suspension.

The junta has also appointed various military and police officials as governors of different regions within Niger and published several decrees, including one allowing temporary spending by ministry secretaries while a transitional government is being formed.

Niger is now the fourth West African country led by a military junta, following similar developments in Mali, Guinea-Conakri, and Burkina Faso between 2020 and 2022.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed financial sanctions on Niger and given a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order, without ruling out military intervention.

This move elicited strong reactions from neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, who warned that military action against Niger would be considered a declaration of war.