Thousands of Nigerians demonstrate demanding France withdraw its troops
Since the 2nd of this month, thousands of Nigerians have gathered in the circular square of Escadriel in front of the French military base in the southern capital of Niamey, shouting the slogan "French leave Niger" and demanding that the French troops withdraw unconditionally from Niger.
Since the coup in Niger on July 26th, the Economic Community of West African States has repeatedly stated that it does not rule out the possibility of military intervention in Niger. The French side stated that if the Western Community decides to take military action against Niger in the future, France will support it.
"The purpose of our demonstration is to show France the determination of the Nigerian people to defend national sovereignty," said a Nigerian who participated in the demonstration, renaming Escadriel Circus to "Resistance Square.".
The retired Nigerian ambassador and member of the Consular General's Association, Boubacar Abdul, who participated in the demonstration, said that the coup authorities no longer recognize the military cooperation agreement between Niger and France. However, up to now, 1500 French soldiers are still stationed in the capital of Niger, and "the people of Niger cannot accept such authoritarian behavior.".
Niger was once a French colony, and France did not recognize the Niger coup authorities. According to reports, the French military is in consultation with the Niger coup authorities, seeking to "withdraw some military resources" from Niger. The Niger coup authorities have stated that communication with the French side regarding the withdrawal of French troops is ongoing.
According to French media reports, the dissatisfaction of the Nigerian people towards France had already emerged before the coup. Since last year, Nigerian civil society groups have organized multiple demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of French troops.