A Coup’s Call for Change: Niger’s Mass Rally Echoes With Demands

On Thursday, hundreds of people backing the coup in Niger assembled for a mass rally at Independence Square in the capital city of Niamey.

AFP journalists reported that some demonstrators were waving large Russian flags during the gathering. The rally was called for by a coalition of civil society associations, coinciding with the commemoration of Niger’s 1960 independence from France.

One of the protesters, Issiaka Hamadou, emphasized that their main concern was security, regardless of the source of assistance, be it “Russia, China, Turkey, if they want to help us.” He expressed frustration with the French presence in the country, claiming that they have been exploiting Niger since independence without any significant improvements in their situation.

Currently, France has around 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to combat jihadist activities in the Sahel region. However, the pro-coup demonstrators argue that France has not effectively protected them from the jihadist threat and are looking for stronger allies, with some leaning towards Russia.

A student identified only as Oumar lamented the lack of opportunities in the country, blaming the regime of President Bazoum, which he believes is supported by France. He expressed a desire for a change and stated, “All that has to go!”

The coup in Niger has raised concerns in Western nations grappling with the challenge of containing the jihadist insurgency that originated in northern Mali in 2012, spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in subsequent years, and now poses a threat to the stability of Gulf of Guinea states.