France to withdraw troops, envoy from Niger: Macron

Sanctions imposed

The Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions following the coup and threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic efforts to restore Bazoum failed. But the threat, backed by France, never materialized since several countries in the region supported the coup leaders in Niger.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso even formed a mutual defense pact on Sept 16 against possible threats of armed rebellion and external aggression.

The Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar announced early on Sunday that Niger's military leaders had banned French aircraft from flying over the country's airspace.

In August, Niger's new military leaders gave a 48-hour ultimatum for the French ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country, but the French government rejected the call and insisted that it did not recognize the coup leaders.