In a display of unity and determination, thousands of demonstrators in Niamey, Niger, assembled near a military base where French troops are stationed. Their demand was clear: the immediate withdrawal of French military forces from their Sahelian nation. The urgency of their plea was heightened by the fact that the French envoy had only hours remaining to leave the country.
Amidst the rally, the air was filled with songs of protest, with some calling out the name of the coup leader, ‘Chiani’, while others chanted ‘down with France’. The sentiments expressed by one protester encapsulated the shared conviction amongst the crowd: “I’ve come here to demand the departure of French troops from Niger. That’s what I’ve come to demonstrate today.”
The demonstrators expressed their frustration at the suffering endured by the people of Niger and called on ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) to take stronger action through increased sanctions. Determination hung in the air as one protester declared, “We’re here, we’re going to resist until death.”
Niger currently hosts around 1,500 French troops who support President Bazoum’s regime in their fight against terrorism. The majority of France’s military capabilities in the country are concentrated at the Niamey airport. This includes fighter jets, Reaper drones, tanks, and various military equipment.
The demand for the withdrawal of French troops stems from a deep-rooted resentment towards their presence. As one protester passionately declared, “We don’t want the French army in Niger. Let the French leave. Let them go back to France. We don’t want them anymore. They killed our brothers, our fathers, our children. We don’t want them anymore.”
The situation escalated following the coup on July 26th, which resulted in the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. France swiftly evacuated 1,079 individuals, mostly French nationals, by August 2nd. However, France’s envoy and military personnel remained stationed in Niger.
In early August, the new junta announced its decision to annul various military cooperation agreements made with France during the previous administration. France, on the other hand, objected to this move, questioning the legitimacy of the new authorities to dissolve the agreements.
The demands made by the Nigerien demonstrators have brought a contentious issue to the forefront. As tensions simmer, the world watches to see how this demand for the withdrawal of French troops will be addressed.
By Africanews/Hauwa M.
