Stemming from the recent coup in Niger, hundreds of people on Thursday stormed the nation’s capital, Niamey in solidarity rally, expressing support for the coup while some others wielded giant Russian flags.
According to AFP report, demonstrators converged at Independence Square in the heart of the city, in response to a call by a coalition of civil society organisations on a day marking the country’s 63rd independence from former colonial masters, France.
“Only security that interests us,” irrespective of whether it came from “Russia, China, Turkey, if they want to help us”, a demonstrator, Issiaka Hamadou said.
“We just don’t want the French, who have been looting us since 1960 – they’ve been there ever since and nothing has changed,” he added.
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France had about 1,500 troops in Niger in a bid to fight against jihadism in the West African country who have since been pulled out.
“I have no job after studying in this country, because of the regime (of Bazoum), which is supported by France,” said one student who only gave his first name Oumar. “All that has to go!”
The coup ousted the country’s leader, Mohamed Bazoum after the presidential guards unit of the army arrested him.
Leader of the unit, General Abdourahamane Tchiani has since declared himself the country’s leader with a vow that he would not bow to pressure.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has since called for immediate reinstatement of Bazoum, saying it would not recognise Tchiani as the country’s leader.
The regional bloc also threatened a military action if democratic structure is not restored in seven days beginning from last Sunday.
