Title: The growing protest against the French military presence in Niger
Introduction :
Since the coup that overthrew the regime in place at the end of July, protests against the French military presence in Niger have continued to intensify. Thousands of people demonstrated in the streets of Niamey and Ouallam to demand the departure of the French armed forces from the country. This mobilization expresses discomfort with the foreign presence and highlights the desire of Nigeriens to take back control of their own security.
Hostile slogans and growing mobilization:
The demonstrators held up placards proclaiming “French army get out of here!” and “French soldiers, we no longer need you”. These slogans reflect the growing hostility towards the French military presence and the demand for autonomy in the management of the country’s security.
A significant mobilization:
The demonstrations brought together several thousand people, forming dense crowds in the main cities of the country. In Niamey, the rally took place near a military base where French soldiers are stationed. In Ouallam, another demonstration took place in front of a military base of the HQ of the anti-jihadist operation Almahaou. Mobilization clearly expresses the will of civil society to strengthen its role and decide its own future.
Diplomatic tensions with France:
This dispute comes in a context of diplomatic tensions between the new Nigerien authorities and France. While the current regime is not recognized by France, French soldiers continue to participate in the anti-jihadist fight under bilateral military agreements. The generals leading the coup denounced these agreements and insisted on the departure of French forces from Niger.
Conclusion :
The demonstrations against the French military presence in Niger demonstrate the desire of civil society to take control of its security and sovereignty. This growing dispute highlights the conflicts of interest between the Nigerien authorities and France, but also the desire of Nigeriens to decide their own future. It is essential to closely follow the evolution of this situation and to understand the underlying motivations of this contestation.