The showdown continues between Paris and the junta that took power in Niger on July 26. Thousands of people in favor of the coup demonstrated on Sunday near the French military base in Niamey, a few hours before the end of the ultimatum given by the military to the French ambassador to leave their country.
The demonstrators answered the call of organizations supporting the junta. This gave Friday evening 48 hours to the French ambassador Sylvain Itté to leave the territory.
Nigerien and Russian flags unfurled
The rally had started at dawn on a roundabout located near the airport of the capital which adjoins a Nigerien air base inside which is the French military camp. Surrounded by a device of Nigerien soldiers, the protesters waved Nigerien and Russian flags as well as placards calling for the departure of French troops.
“The French army in Niger, we don’t want it. Let the French leave ”, in particular vituperated Abou Kountché, a resident of Niamey. “The French say that Niger is a poor country but when we tell them to leave our country they refuse,” noted Adama Assane, a restaurateur.
Some 20,000 people had already gathered on Saturday in a stadium in the capital to support the military in power and denounce France. It must be said that the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) in power headed by General Abdourahamane Tiani has taken France, the former colonial power, as its preferred target.
The decision to expel the French ambassador is also the culmination of a month of demonstrations, decisions and declarations hostile to French politics since the coup against Mohamed Bazoum, still detained with part of his family. . Paris replied by asserting that “the putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the approval of the ambassador emanating only from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities”, those of President Bazoum.