A rally was organized in Niger’s capital, Niamey, by hundreds in support of the ruling military junta. The crowd disapproved of France and other critics of the recent coup, as Niger’s new military leadership exploited anti-Western sentiment to solidify their coup.
As the crowd at the demonstration, organized by the junta and civil society groups, started to grow, protestors voiced their support for neighbouring countries that have undergone military coups in recent years. A mix of Russian and Nigerian flags could be seen among the protestors.
Last week, the coup saw President Mohamed Bazoum’s overthrown, marking a notable interruption to Niger’s first peaceful democratic power transition since its independence from France in 1960. This event has increased anti-French sentiment and sparked questions about the future of combating extremism in the Sahel region of Africa, where Russia and Western countries are competing for influence.
Western nations and the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS have strongly condemned the coup and threatened to use force against the junta if power is not restored to Bazoum. As tension mounts in Niamey and the region, many European nations have initiated evacuations of their citizens.
Many protest attendees supported the coup leaders and criticized foreign interference. Protester Moctar Abdou Issa said, “For more than 13 years, the Nigerien people have suffered injustices. The junta will get us out of this… they will free the Nigerien people.”
It remains uncertain whether the coup has the support of the majority of the population. Meanwhile, life in many parts of the capital continued as usual.
During his address to the nation, the new military leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, criticized those who denounced the coup and urged the populace to defend the country.
ECOWAS has set a deadline of August 6th for the junta to return power to Bazoum, who is currently under house arrest. ECOWAS’ defence chiefs have contemplated a potential military intervention plan for the country.
In a confidential meeting, several individuals from civil society organizations, professional groups, and trade unions met with the coup leaders to discuss their vision for the country.
A civil society member who attended the gathering expressed concerns about a potential ousting of the French military with the help of civil society groups.
France, which has 1,500 troops in Niger, conducts joint operations with the country’s military against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Other European countries and the United States have assisted in training Niger’s troops. Although the new junta has not indicated whether it will ally with Moscow or maintain its relationship with Niger’s Western allies, this uncertainty is central to the ongoing political crisis.
Anne-Claire Legendre, a spokesperson for the French foreign minister, said on Wednesday that even if Niger’s military rulers demand the withdrawal of French troops, it will not change France’s stance.
Ahead of Thursday’s demonstration, the French Embassy in Niamey asked the Nigerien government to ensure the security and protection of its premises after an attack by protesters.
The French military reported that it had evacuated more than 1,000 people this week through five flights, and the evacuation operation has concluded, according to France’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The flights evacuated people of 50 different nationalities.
On Niger’s Independence Day, U.S. President Joe Biden called for Bazoum’s release and the restoration of democracy.
On the same note, earlier this week, an official from one of Nigeria’s leading electricity companies said that Nigeria had severed power supply to Niger. This measure could further impact citizens in the already energy-strained nation.
Lastly, on Wednesday, the ruling party’s general secretary, Kalla Ankourao, accused the junta of disrupting the electricity supply to the president’s residence.
The current political crisis in Niger has sparked international tensions and triggered measures that could severely impact the citizens of this impoverished nation. With the uncertain alliances of the new junta and ongoing negotiations regarding the release and restoration of President Bazoum, the coming weeks will be decisive in shaping Niger’s political future and its international relationships.
