Thousands of protesters gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to call for the withdrawal of French military personnel. In addition, they want a halt to all further foreign meddling following last week’s coup that installed a military junta in charge.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being kept hostage, has been threatened with military action by West African leaders who are convening in an unusual summit on the Niger.
“if the authority’s demands are not satisfied within a week. Take all necessary steps to reestablish the Republic of Niger’s constitutional order. These steps may involve using force, “declared ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu.
Former colonial ruler France and the European Union have suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger following the coup, while the United States warned that its aid could also be at stake.
In a diplomatic communique, Paris has said It supports the economic and financial sanctions decided in support of these demands and for an end to the unacceptable violence against its embassy seen on Sunday.
But the sentiment on the streets is decidedly anti-west prompting concerns that Niger, could pivot towards Russia.
In Niamey, some of the protesters outside the French embassy chanted “Long live Russia”, “Long live Putin” and “Down with France”.
Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso which have both experience army takeovers both moved closer to Russia after their own coups.
