Niger’s Capital, Niamey – Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside a French military base in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Saturday, intensifying their calls for French forces to leave the country in the aftermath of a military coup, widely supported by the populace but unacknowledged by Paris.
The coup, which took place on July 26, is one of eight such events across West and Central Africa since 2020, prompting global powers to closely monitor the shift towards military rule in the region.
France, whose influence in its former colonies in West Africa has diminished recently, has faced increasing anti-French sentiment in Niger since the coup. The situation escalated when France disregarded the junta’s order for its ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to depart the country.
Outside the military base on Saturday, protesters displayed their frustration by symbolically slitting the throat of a goat dressed in French colors and carrying coffins draped in French flags. Demonstrators also held signs demanding the withdrawal of French forces.
According to Reuters reporters, this demonstration marked the largest gathering since the coup, suggesting continued support for the junta and growing resentment toward France.
One protester, Yacouba Issoufou, passionately 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 significant violence related to the protests.
France’s Relationship with Niger
France had maintained friendly relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and stationed approximately 1,500 troops in Niger.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that he communicated daily with Bazoum and that any decisions regarding the situation would be based on their discussions.
Niger’s junta criticized Macron’s comments, considering them divisive and accusing France of perpetuating a neo-colonial relationship.
However, France is not the sole concerned party. West Africa’s 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.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, holding ECOWAS’ revolving chairmanship, proposed a nine-month transition back to civilian rule as a potential resolution, differing from the junta’s earlier three-year timeline.
