Niger crisis
Protesters hold an anti-France placard during a demonstration on independence day in Niamey on August 3, 2023. – Niger’s junta on August 3 said it was scrapping military pacts made between Niamey and France, following last week’s coup. “Faced with France’s careless attitude and its reaction to the situation”, the “National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland decided to scrap the cooperation agreements in the field of security and defence with this state,” one of the putschists said in a statement read out on television late on August 3. (Photo by – / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP – ALTERNATE CROP

Home » Niger protesters in Niamey insist French troops withdrawal

Niger protesters in Niamey insist French troops withdrawal

Protesters in Niger held a third day of demonstrations chanting slogans against their former colonial ruler France.

By AFP
04-09-23 17:45
in Africa
Niger crisis
Protesters hold an anti-France placard during a demonstration on independence day in Niamey on August 3, 2023. – Niger’s junta on August 3 said it was scrapping military pacts made between Niamey and France, following last week’s coup. “Faced with France’s careless attitude and its reaction to the situation”, the “National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland decided to scrap the cooperation agreements in the field of security and defence with this state,” one of the putschists said in a statement read out on television late on August 3. (Photo by – / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP – ALTERNATE CROP

Thousands of demonstrators in Niger on Sunday 3 September 2023 held a third day of rallies calling for former colonial ruler France to withdraw its troops, as sought by the junta which seized power in July.

“Down with France! France, get out,” the demonstrators chanted, repeating slogans heard at various rallies in Niamey since the coup d’etat on July 26.

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THE MILITARY REGIME FIRED A NEW VERBAL BROADSIDE

Niger’s military regime had fired a new verbal broadside at France on Friday, accusing Paris of “blatant interference” by backing the country’s ousted president.

Since then, tens of thousands of people have joined in the protest at a roundabout close to the Niger military base where French soldiers are stationed.

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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 MILITARY RULERS ANNOUNCED THE EXPULSION

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.

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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”.

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