Niger's coup leaders have taken drastic measures by closing the country's airspace indefinitely, citing the threat of military intervention from neighboring countries.
The move came after the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) demanded the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum by a given deadline, which the junta ignored.
Ecowas had previously warned that military action could be taken against the junta if they failed to restore the democratically elected president.
In response to the situation in Niger, Ecowas members Mali and Burkina Faso expressed their solidarity by sending officials to the country.
In the aftermath of the airspace closure, a transport plane from Burkina Faso was tracked landing in Niger, raising concerns about potential involvement.
The growing instability in the region has prompted France, the former colonial power, to caution its citizens against traveling to the Sahel region and to remain vigilant due to rising anti-France sentiments.
The junta in Niger has claimed that "a foreign power" is planning an attack on the country, adding to the tensions in the region.
Ecowas, which includes nations such as Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Ghana, has drafted a detailed plan for a potential military intervention, but it is seeking a diplomatic resolution first.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, faced opposition within the country for military intervention, with senators voting against such actions.
There were also protests from senators representing states near the border between Nigeria and Niger.
Italy and Germany have called for an extension to the deadline to reinstate President Bazoum, urging a diplomatic solution.
However, the coup leaders have shown no willingness to relinquish power, leading to widespread international condemnation, including from France, the EU, the UN, and the US.
The ongoing instability has led to the evacuation of hundreds of foreigners from Niger.
Despite the pressure, the junta's supporters held a defiant rally in the capital, Niamey, showing their support for the military takeover.
Burkina Faso and Mali, both Ecowas members but currently suspended due to military takeovers, issued a warning that any outside military intervention in Niger would be treated as a "declaration of war" against them.
Niger's strategic significance as a uranium producer, a critical fuel for nuclear power, and its role as a key ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa's Sahel region have added further complexity to the situation.