Thousands of protesters gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to call for the withdrawal of French military personnel. In addition, they want a halt to all other foreign meddling following last week’s coup that installed a military junta in charge.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being kept captive, has been threatened with military action by West African leaders who are convening in an extraordinary summit on the Niger.
“In the event, the authority demands are not met within one week. Take all measures necessary to restore constitutional ordering in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force,” said Dr. Omar Alieu, President of ECOWAS.
Following the coup, former colonial powers France and the European Union withdrew their financial and security assistance to Niger, while the United States issued a warning that its own assistance would be at risk.
In a communiqué, Paris stated that it agreed with the decision to impose economic and financial measures in support of these demands and to put a stop to the intolerable violence against its embassy that was witnessed on Sunday.
However, the anti-western sentiment on the streets raises worries that Niger may turn to Russia.
In Niamey, some of the protesters outside the French embassy chanted “Long live Russia”, “Long live Putin” and “Down with France”.
Following their own military coups, neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which have both experienced military takeovers, drew nearer to Russia.
