Niger closes airspace over 'threat of intervention' as junta defies deadline

Western African bloc ECOWAS issued its ultimatum a week ago, threatening to use military action to reinstate deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani attends a demonstration held by his supporters in Niamey on Sunday. A deadline for the reinstatement of the president has passed. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Niger closed its airspace due to the "threat of intervention" as the junta defied a deadline from the West African bloc ECOWAS to reinstate dem…