Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of French troops in the aftermath of a military coup that enjoys widespread popular support but has not been recognized by Paris.
The coup, which took place on July 26, is one of eight in West and Central Africa since 2020, causing concern among global powers about a shift to military rule in the region.
France, whose influence over its former colonies has diminished in recent years, is particularly affected. Its forces were expelled from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso following coups in those countries, reducing its role in the regional fight against deadly Islamist insurgencies.
Anti-French sentiment has been on the rise in Niger since the coup, and it escalated further when France ignored the junta’s order for its ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave.
Outside the military base on Saturday, protesters carried out symbolic actions, including slitting the throat of a goat dressed in French colors and carrying coffins draped in French flags, all while Nigerien soldiers observed. Demonstrators held signs calling for France’s departure.
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According to Reuters, this was the largest gathering of protesters since the coup, indicating that support for the junta and dissatisfaction with France were not diminishing.
“We are ready to sacrifice ourselves today because we are proud,” said demonstrator Yacouba Issoufou. “They plundered our resources, and we became aware. So they’re going to get out.”
Reuters said there had been no apparent outbreaks of violence, during the protest.
France had maintained cordial relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has approximately 1,500 troops stationed in Niger.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that he spoke to Bazoum daily and that any decisions they make will be based on their exchanges.
Niger’s junta criticized these comments as divisive and serving only to perpetuate France’s neo-colonial relationship.
France is not the only country with concerns about the situation. West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened military action as a last resort.
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The United States and European powers also have troops stationed in the country.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who holds ECOWAS’ revolving chairmanship, suggested last week that a nine-month transition back to civilian rule could satisfy regional powers.
The Niger Junta had earlier suggested three years transitional period.