Demonstrators in Niger waved the Russian flag and attacked the French Embassy. Photo/Sky News
NIAMEY – Thousands of people support cout d’etat Of Niger took to the streets of the capital city of Niamey to denounce French the country’s former colonial power, raised the flag Russia and set fire to the door of the French Embassy on Sunday before soldiers dispersed the action.
Reported from ABCOn Monday (31/7/2023), demonstrators in Niger openly despised France, and Russia was seen by some as a strong alternative. The nature of Russia’s involvement in the rallies, if any, is unclear but some protesters have carried Russian flags, along with signs reading “Down with France” and cheering for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian mercenary group Wagner operates in neighboring Mali, and under Putin Russia has expanded its influence in West Africa. The leaders of the new junta have not said whether they intend to ally with Moscow or stick with Niger’s western partner.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that attacks on France and its interests would not be tolerated and that anyone attacking French citizens would see an immediate response.
Some of the demonstrators who took part in Sunday’s rally warned outsiders to stay away.
“I also want to say to the European Union, African Union and ECOWAS, please, please stay out of our business,” Oumar Barou Moussa said at the demonstration.
“It’s time for us to take our lives, work for ourselves. It’s time for us to talk about our liberty and freedom.”
Niger, a French colony until 1960, is seen as the West’s last reliable partner for fighting extremists in Africa’s Sahel region. France has 1,500 troops in the country carrying out joint operations with Niger. The United States and other European countries have helped train the country’s troops.
2023-07-30 23:43:22
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