Algeria Rejects France’s Alleged Airspace Request for Niger Operation

Algeria has denied France’s request to use its airspace for a possible military intervention in Niger, where a coup d’etat toppled the elected president last month, according to Algerian state radio.     The radio report, which aired on Monday night, said that Algeria opposes any foreign military action in Niger and supports diplomatic efforts to restore constitutional order in the West African nation.     However, France has refuted the report, saying that it never asked Algeria for such permission.      France has about 1,500 troops in Niger that were stationed there before the July 26 coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolved his government.