By Ebi Kesiena
Thousands of Nigeriens rallied in Niamey demonstrating strong support for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) while condemning alleged foreign efforts to destabilize the country.
The protest, organized by a coalition of civil society organizations, followed the reported arrest of a French “spy” by Nigerien authorities. Protesters also expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Among the speakers at the event was Mohamed, a civil society member who highlighted what he described as coordinated attempts to undermine the sovereignty of Sahel nations.
Citing a deadly terror attack in Bamako on September 17, he stated, “I was in Bamako when they tried to destabilize Mali. They also tried to destabilize Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. That is why we are sending a strong message to all those imperialists, we stand with our military and security forces.”
The march was attended by key figures in the CNSP, including Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the Chief of Staff to Niger’s President. Representatives from student and pupil unions also participated, amplifying calls for sovereignty and resistance to foreign manipulation.
Protesters accused France of trying to reclaim its influence following the ousting of former President Mohamed Bazoum and the withdrawal of French and US troops. Abdourahamane, a civil society leader, stated, “Losing Niger is a great catastrophe for France. They will do everything to come back, but we are more informed today than our grandparents. Africans now master the tool of information, and they cannot manipulate us anymore.”
While denouncing external interference, protesters emphasized the importance of economic and military self-reliance.
Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane, the lead organizer, urged leaders to prioritize industrial and military development.
“In the next ten years, the CNSP must focus on building weapons to defend us. We need tanks, industrial units, and economic growth.”
The demonstration comes ahead of a significant international conference in Niamey aimed at supporting the AES states.
The three-day event, which begins on Tuesday, November 19, is expected to strengthen regional collaboration and promote independence initiatives across the Sahel.
