Demonstration in support of the CNSP in Niamey, Niger
The day after the decision to deploy the ECOWAS force, thousands of Nigeriens expressed their support for the CNSP junta during a demonstration which took place in Niamey on Friday. This mobilization followed the call launched by civil society organizations in favor of the CNSP.
Protesters first gathered at the Grand Mosque in Niamey for Good Friday prayers, then headed for the nearby French military base. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the presence of French soldiers in the country, demanding their immediate departure.
The slogans were also directed against ECOWAS, accusing the sub-regional organization of having ordered the activation of its standby force for a possible operation to free the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The central figure in this demonstration was General Tiani, head of the CNSP, whose name was chanted many times by the demonstrators. Some displayed Niger flags, while others waved Russian flags.
Despite the palpable tension, the demonstration passed without violence or major incidents. It comes as the new government led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine meets for the first time.
This mobilization bears witness to the division that has reigned in Niger since the military coup that overthrew President Bazoum. While some support the junta and criticize foreign interference, others worry about the impact of this crisis on the country’s stability and democracy.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days and whether these demonstrations of support will have an impact on national and international politics. Niger is going through a critical period and it is essential to find peaceful solutions to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the country and its people