A significant gathering has taken place at a square in central Niamey, the capital of Niger, with people showing their support for the recent military coup.
On the occasion of the country’s independence anniversary, a coalition of civil society organizations called on the public to denounce the sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, and warned that force could be used if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated.
The square witnessed a sizable crowd, mostly composed of young men, expressing their backing for the coup leaders.
Amid the show of support, anti-French slogans were chanted, and a few Russian flags were displayed.
Despite this display of solidarity with the coup, there remains widespread opposition to the military takeover among many Nigerien citizens.
Some view the coup as an attempt by senior soldiers to safeguard their positions and preserve their authority, fearing being replaced if they relinquished power.
To justify their actions, there is a growing trend of anti-French sentiment being fostered by the coup leaders, echoing similar events in Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military took over and subsequently strengthened ties with Russia.
The situation in Niger bears similarities to these past instances, leading to concerns and reactions from various sectors of society.