NIAMEY: Tens of thousands of protest demonstrators gathered in front of a French army base in Niger’s capital city Niamey on Saturday asking that its forces leave in the wake of a coup that has widespread support in the African country but which France declines to recognize.
Outside the French military base on Saturday, protest demonstrators slit the throat of a goat dressed in French colours and also carried coffins covered in French flags as a line of Nigerien troops looked on. Protestors also carried signs asking France to leave the country.
Massive Protest Demonstrations in Niger Call for French Troops to Leave
Reuters reported it was the largest gathering yet since the military coup in the country, suggesting that support for the military leaders— and derision of Paris — was not declining.
“We are ready to render sacrifice today, as we are proud,” said protestor Yacouba Issoufou. He said that they looted their resources and they became aware and “now they are going to get out.”
Global powers particularly France have expressed concern after July 26 military coup in the country. Most impacted is Paris, whose influence over its former colonies has decreased in West Africa in recent years just as widespread hatred has grown. Its troops have been kicked out of Burkina Faso and Mali since military coups in those nations, decreasing its role in a region-wide fight against deadly insurgencies.
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Similarly, anti-Paris sentiment has increased in Niger since the military coup but provoked further last week when Paris ignored the junta’s order for its envoy to leave the country. In a statement, the junta said that Police have been asked to expel the ambassador.
However, former colonial power France had good relations with deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and has around 1,500 forces stationed in Niger. Earlier, on Friday, French President Macron said he spoke to deposed President Bazoum daily and that “the decision we will take, will be based upon talks with Bazoum.”
Niger’s military leaders denounced the remarks as troublesome and served only to perpetrate France’s neo-colonial ties. Paris is not the only power with concerns. West Africa’s regional bloc has also slapped sanctions on the African country and threatened military intervention as a last option. Washington and European countries have troops stationed in Niger.
