Thousands of people gathered in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Thursday, to show support for the recent coup that ousted the democratically elected government. Amid mounting security concerns among Western nations, demonstrators brandished giant Russian flags and chanted anti-French slogans, calling for the departure of French influence in the country.
The rally was organized to commemorate Niger’s 1960 independence from France. Issiaka Hamadou, one of the protesters, emphasized that their primary concern is security, regardless of the country providing assistance, whether it’s Russia, China, or Turkey.
The coup, which toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, has raised tensions in the region. European citizens are evacuating from Niger, a country that plays a vital role in French and Western efforts to combat the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region since 2012.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders, demanding the restoration of President Bazoum to power within a week or face the possibility of military intervention as a last resort. Niger is the fourth country within the group to experience a coup since 2020.
In response to the situation, Senegal has declared its readiness to send soldiers to join ECOWAS forces in case of military intervention in Niger. Several Western countries, including the United States and Britain, have taken precautionary measures by pulling back embassy personnel.
President Bazoum, who has been in the custody of the coup plotters since July 26, has received calls from world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, urging his immediate release and the preservation of Niger’s democracy.
As the situation unfolds, ECOWAS and Western nations are closely monitoring developments in Niger, with a focus on ensuring stability and security in the region.
Source : africanews