Niger’s coup leaders have lifted the curfew they imposed after taking power and toppling the elected president on July 26, plunging the country into crisis.
The National Council for the Protection of the Country (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP) lifted the 00:01-05:00 nationwide curfew implemented after the July 26 coup.
According to a decree dated late Thursday and signed by coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, “The curfew imposed since July 26, 2023, is officially lifted as of today.”
Coup leaders previously announced the reopening of land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad from Aug. 1. The borders with Benin and Nigeria remain officially closed. In addition, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced a no-fly zone, the closure of borders with Niger, and the suspension of commercial and financial transactions with Niger on July 30. They also gave the CNSP one week (from July 30) to release and reinstate Bazoum.
If coup leaders fail to meet ECOWAS’ demands, the regional body will reportedly consider various options, including military intervention. This possibility remains unlikely but cannot be ruled out.
Nigeria has also cut its electricity supply to Niger, leading to power outages in parts of the country, including Niamey.
