Tens of thousands of demonstrators assembled in the capital city of Niger, Niamey, to demand the removal of French troops from their country. This protest emerged amid growing anti-French sentiments following a coup that overthrew the government on July 26, DW reports.
This gathering was reportedly the largest since the coup occurred. The protesters convened near a base that houses French soldiers and carried banners with slogans like "French army leave our country."
One protester, Yacouba Issoufou, expressed their determination, stating, "We are ready to sacrifice ourselves today because we are proud. They plundered our resources, and we became aware. So they're going to get out."
In recent years, several military coups have taken place in former French colonies across Central and West Africa. A recent junta toppled Gabonese President Ali Bongo. France maintains good relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has around 1,500 troops stationed in Niger.
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that he communicates with President Bazoum daily and that any decisions made would be based on their exchanges. However, the junta criticized Macron's comments, accusing France of perpetuating a neo-colonial relationship with Niger and interfering blatantly in the country's affairs.
Macron announced on August 28 that France would disregard an ultimatum from the junta to expel France's ambassador, Sylvian Itte, stating, "Our policy is clear: we do not recognize the putschists." On August 3, the junta declared the termination of its military agreements with France.
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