By John Ikani
Thousands of Nigerien citizens took to the streets of Niamey on Thursday to show their support for the recent military coup.
During the peaceful demonstration, they expressed their disapproval of the sanctions imposed on the country by West African nations and demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops, including those from the US and France, who have military bases in Niger to combat Islamist militants.
In the past, protests had witnessed some participants chanting slogans in favour of Russia and against France.
However, organizers discouraged the display of Russian flags this time, leading to a reduced presence compared to previous rallies.
Instead, demonstrators proudly waved Nigerien flags, possibly due to Russia’s call for the return to power of the ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum, or to mark the ongoing celebrations of Niger’s Independence Day.
President Mohamed Bazoum, the first democratically elected successor in Niger’s history, was detained by his own guards during the coup.
While many citizens supported the coup, there are also those who oppose it, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), representing 15 West African countries, has imposed financial and trade sanctions on Niger and threatened military intervention if President Bazoum is not reinstated by a certain deadline.
Senegal has stated its readiness to send troops if Ecowas decides on military action, as the region has witnessed multiple coups in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea in recent years.
Amid the political upheaval, Niger’s electricity company reported a disruption in electricity supply from neighboring Nigeria, leading to widespread power cuts, though Nigeria hasn’t confirmed this yet.
In response to international reactions, coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani delivered a televised address, rejecting the Ecowas sanctions and any interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
He described the sanctions as “cynical and iniquitous,” with the intention of undermining the country’s security forces and making Niger ungovernable.
Given the escalating situation, many foreign nationals have been evacuated from Niger.
The US has partially evacuated its embassy, and more than 1,000 French and Europeans have also been flown out of the country to ensure their safety.
