Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey on Saturday (Nov. 16) to show support for the ruling CNSP junta and protest foreign attempts to destabilize the country. The demonstration was organized by a coalition of civil society groups after authorities claimed to have arrested a French ‘spy’.
Many protesters also expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Some speakers, like Mohamed, condemned foreign interference, citing recent destabilization attempts in Mali and Burkina Faso. “We are with our military and security forces,” he declared.
The protest, which was attended by CNSP officials, including President’s Chief of Staff Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, as well as student and youth unions, was fueled by accusations that France sought to overthrow the regime that deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum. Protesters also rejected France’s withdrawal of troops and expressed determination to defend their sovereignty.
Civil society leader Abdourahamane emphasized the rising awareness among Africans, asserting that the continent can no longer be manipulated by external powers. “Today, Africans master the tool of information,” he said.
While the protesters celebrated their defiance, they also called for economic and military development. “In the next ten years, the CNSP must build the weapons and tanks to defend us,” organizer Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane said, as the crowd enthusiastically agreed.
The demonstration comes just ahead of an international conference in Niamey to support the AES states.