Several thousand demonstrators have gathered in Niger’s capital, Niamey, demanding the withdrawal of French military troops from the country and an end to foreign interference, following the recent coup that resulted in a military junta taking control.
In response to the coup, West African leaders convened an extraordinary summit on Niger and have threatened potential military action against the junta if they do not reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently in captivity.
As a consequence of the coup, France and the European Union have suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger, while the United States has also warned that its aid could be at risk. France has expressed support for economic and financial sanctions in response to the coup and the violence against its embassy on Sunday.
The anti-West sentiment among the protesters has raised concerns that Niger might seek closer ties with Russia. Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also experienced military takeovers in the past, have moved towards Russia after their coups.
Protesters outside the French embassy in Niamey were heard chanting slogans in support of Russia, expressing sentiments such as “Long live Russia,” “Long live Putin,” and “Down with France.”
As the political situation in Niger remains uncertain, the country’s potential pivot towards Russia adds another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics and could shape the country’s future relationships with major global players.
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