Article: The demonstration in support of the military junta in Niger
On August 3, 2023, the Nigerien capital, Niamey, was the scene of a demonstration in support of the military junta that took power in the country. Thousands of people, mainly men and young people, gathered in Place de la Concertation to express their support for General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the Presidential Guard and leader of the National Committee for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).
The demonstration began with two hours of speeches by members of civil society, notably those of the M62 coalition, known for its opposition to the French military presence in Niger. The demonstrators also displayed clothes bearing the image of General Chiani and waved some Russian flags.
Besides supporting the junta, the demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which issued an ultimatum to the putschists to lay down their arms. Slogans hostile to the French military presence were also chanted, and some demonstrators even marched in front of the French Embassy peacefully.
The demonstration took place in peace, thanks to the presence of members of the National Guard of Niger in charge of security. It ended at the end of the morning, but another rally was planned for the afternoon at the General Seyni Kountché stadium.
Outside the capital, other towns in Niger have also seen pro-junta protests. In Agadez, an emblematic city in the center of the country, hundreds of people gathered to express their support. This is a first for Agadez, which had remained neutral since the start of the crisis.
On the other hand, the situation remains tense in Maradi, the economic capital of Niger, located near the border with Nigeria. The city is subject to ECOWAS sanctions, which has a direct impact on the local economy.
This strong mobilization in favor of the military junta in Niger raises questions about public opinion vis-à-vis the coup. While ECOWAS and other international actors strongly condemn this reversal of power, some Nigeriens appear to support the junta, expressing their dissatisfaction with foreign interference and the French military presence in the country.
It is crucial to follow the evolution of the situation in Niger and to understand the dynamics behind these demonstrations of support for the junta. The next few days will be decisive for the political future of the country and for the reconciliation between the various actors in Niger