As demanded by the junta that overthrew the government in July, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Niger on Sunday for a third day. They demanded that former colonial power France evacuate its soldiers.
“Down with France! France get out,” the demonstrators chanted, repeating slogans heard at various rallies in Niamey since the coup d’etat on July 26.
France was the target of a fresh verbal salvo from the military government in Niger on Friday, which accused Paris of “blatant interference” by supporting the nation’s deposed president.
Since then, tens of thousands of individuals have joined the demonstration at a roundabout near the military facility in Niger where French soldiers are stationed.
After Paris supported deposed president Mohamed Bazoum, relations with France, the nation’s former colonial power and ally in the fight against jihadism, quickly deteriorated.
The dictatorship stated on August 3 that it was ending its military contracts with France, which has 1,500 soldiers stationed there.
The military rulers of Niger have also declared the “expulsion” of Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador, and said they are taking away his diplomatic immunity. They said that his presence threatened the peace in the community.
However, on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Itte’s efforts in Niger and noted that he had stayed there despite being given a 48-hour deadline to do so.
On Sunday, France defended keeping its ambassador in place once more.
“He is our representative to the legitimate authorities in Niger,” said Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in an interview with Le Monde newspaper,
“We don’t have to bow to the injunctions of a minister who has no legitimacy”, she added, assuring that Paris was ensuring “that he can face the pressure from the putschists in complete safety”.
