As demanded by the junta that overthrew the government in July, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Niger on Sunday for a third day. They demanded that former colonial power France evacuate its soldiers.
“Against France! France, leave “After the coup d’etat on July 26, the slogans heard at several gatherings in Niamey were yelled by the protesters.
On Friday, the military government in Niger launched a fresh rhetorical salvo at France, charging that Paris had interfered “blatantly” by supporting the nation’s deposed president.
Since then, tens of thousands of individuals have joined the demonstration at a roundabout near the military facility in Niger where French soldiers are stationed.
Relations with France, the country’s former colonial power and ally in its fight against jihadism, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by ousted president Mohamed Bazoum,
On August 3, the regime announced the scrapping of military agreements with France, which has about 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country.
Niger’s military rulers have also announced the “expulsion” of the French ambassador Sylvain Itte and said they are withdrawing his diplomatic immunity. They said his presence constituted a threat to public order.
But French President Emmanuel Macron last Monday hailed Itte’s work in Niger and said he remained in the country despite being given a 48-hour deadline to leave.
On Sunday, France once again justified keeping its ambassador in place.
“He is our representative to the legitimate authorities in Niger,” said Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in an interview with Le Monde newspaper,
“We don’t have to bow to the injunctions of a minister who has no legitimacy”, she added, assuring that Paris was ensuring “that he can face the pressure from the putschists in complete safety”.
