Title: National Day in Niger: Massive support for the military junta during rallies in Niamey
Introduction: On August 3, the date of the national holiday in Niger, the festivities take a particular turn this year. Instead of the traditional military parade, thousands of citizens gathered in Niamey to show their support for the ruling military junta. This article looks back on these demonstrations and on the demands expressed by the demonstrators.
The fervent support of the population for the military junta:
This morning, at Place de la Concertation in Niamey, thousands of people, mostly men and young people, peacefully demonstrated their support for the military junta which currently controls the country. Wearing clothes in the colors of Niger or bearing the image of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the Presidential Guard and president of the junta, the demonstrators expressed their confidence in the new governance.
Anti-foreign interference speeches and slogans:
During these rallies, several speeches were made by members of civil society belonging to the M62 coalition, known for its positions hostile to the French military presence. The demonstrators also chanted slogans hostile to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which recently issued an ultimatum to the military putschists to return power. This opposition to foreign interference testifies to the will of the demonstrators to defend the sovereignty of the country.
Smooth peaceful protests:
Despite political tensions and criticism from some groups, protests in support of the military junta were peaceful. The demonstrators marched peacefully in front of the French Embassy, without violence or incidents. Elements of the Niger National Guard ensured security and maintained order throughout the gatherings.
Unexpected support in other cities across the country:
In addition to Niamey, other cities in Niger have also seen demonstrations in support of the military junta. In Agadez, an emblematic city in the center of the country, hundreds of people gathered to show their support for the new power in place. This is surprising support, as Agadez had so far remained neutral in the political crisis.
Conclusion: Niger’s National Day takes on a special character this year, with massive rallies in support of the ruling military junta. These peaceful demonstrations testify to the adherence of part of the population to the new governance of the country. However, the situation remains unstable, with political tensions and criticism from some groups