The news in Niger is still being talked about with the massive gathering of several thousand people in Niamey to support the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), the military regime that emerged from the coup d’etat that took place on July 26 . This rally, which took place at the Seyni Kountché stadium, brought together around 20,000 people proudly displaying the flags of Niger, Algeria and Russia.
Among the participants was Ramatou Ibrahim Boubacar, a model, who showed his support by draping himself entirely in Niger flags. She expresses her opinion on the fact that Niger has finally gained its independence since the coup, and claims to be 100% behind the CNSP.
The CNSP, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has clearly designated France as the preferred target for its attacks. A CNSP member, Colonel Ibro Amadou, told the crowd that the fighting would not end until all French soldiers had left Niger. He also encouraged protesters not to go to the French embassy, but to return home, as he believes the French military will eventually leave.
This demonstration follows the expulsion of the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, by the CNSP for not having responded to an “invitation” from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for other actions deemed contrary to the interests from Nigeria. However, France replied that the putschists do not have the authority to make such a request, because the approval of the ambassador comes only from the legitimate Nigerien authorities.
The situation in Niger has provoked strong reactions at the international level, in particular from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has imposed economic and financial sanctions on Niger and threatened military intervention to restore elected President Mohamed Bazoum to office.
Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful solution. Algerian envoys visited the region, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee met with ECOWAS officials in Abuja.
Niger remains a country where political stability is precarious, and recent events only add to the uncertainty in the region. It is essential that the parties involved continue their dialogues and work together to find a lasting and peaceful solution for the well-being of the people of Niger