Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in Niger’s capital Niamey on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of French troops. The protest comes in the aftermath of a military coup that has garnered widespread popular support but has not been recognized by Paris.
The military coup on July 26 is one of eight that have taken place in West and Central Africa since 2020. It has drawn the attention of global powers concerned about the increasing prevalence of military rule in the region.
France has been particularly impacted by these events, as its influence in its former colonies in West Africa has declined in recent years, coinciding with a rise in popular anger. Since the coups in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, French forces have been expelled from both countries, thereby reducing their involvement in the regional fight against deadly Islamist insurgencies.
Anti-French sentiment in Niger has been on the rise since the coup, but it intensified last week when France refused to comply with the junta’s order to recall its ambassador, Sylvain Itte. The junta has instructed the police to expel him.
During the protest outside the military base, protesters slaughtered a goat dressed in French colors and carried coffins adorned with French flags while Nigerien soldiers looked on. Demonstrators also held signs calling for the departure of France.
According to Reuters reporters, this was the largest gathering since the coup, suggesting that support for the junta and disdain for France remain strong. Demonstrator Yacouba Issoufou stated, “We are ready to sacrifice ourselves today because we are proud. They plundered our resources, and we became aware. So they’re going to get out.”
As of early evening local time, there were no reports of violence.
France had maintained favorable relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and currently has approximately 1,500 troops stationed in Niger. French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that he speaks to Bazoum every day and that any decisions made would be based on consultations with him.
The comments made by France’s president were denounced by Niger’s junta as divisive and perpetuating their neo-colonial relationship.
Concerns are not limited to France alone. The West Africa regional bloc ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened military intervention as a last resort. The United States and European powers also have troops stationed in the country.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, who currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ECOWAS, suggested last week that a nine-month transition period leading to civilian rule could appease regional powers. The junta in Niger had previously proposed a three-year timeline.
(Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by David Holmes)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
