Air and land borders of West Africa’s largest country, Niger, were closed last week after a coup overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to information from the US Embassy in Niger, commercial air traffic will remain suspended through at least 5 August, reports Crisis24. In addition, a nationwide curfew is currently imposed until further notice, and the government is enforcing tight security in major cities.

An update circulated by container carrier CMA CGM advised that severe delays are expected on all corridors towards Niger, including Cotonou and Tema.

Niger is a key part of Africa's 'The Sahel', a stretch of land connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Red Sea. The area has been facing several challenges in the past few years, politically and environmentally. The Sahel is, however, described as one of the most dynamic regions in Africa, but the structural transformation of its economies is slow.