Growing anti-French protests in Niger since the coup

NIAMEY, Niger – A growing hostility toward the West in Niger is being reported since the military staged a coup in the landlocked West African nation.

A businessman was seen proudly wearing his outfit in the colors of the Russian flag, indicating a move away from Western influence.

Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum was a strong ally of the West.

On July 26, Niger’s presidential guard arrested Bazoum, and the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdour Ahamane Tchiani, declared himself the leader of a new military junta.

Niger hosts a French military base and is a major uranium producer, a quarter of which is shipped to Europe, particularly France.

After Tchiani overthrew Bazoum, Russian colors appeared on the streets.

Reports of protests against the West, especially France, are coming from all over the country.

Local media assume that pro-Russian sentiment was fueled by complaints against France.

The main accusation is that France is exploiting Niger’s resources and leaving many people living in extreme poverty.

Anti-French protests were banned under President Bazoum’s government.

Similar sentiments have arisen in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where French interests and military presence were once strong.

Both countries have moved closer to Russia.

In Niger, civil society groups, particularly the M62 movement, had organized  protests against France since 2022.

The M62 movement, made up of a coalition of activists, civil society movements, and labor unions, led protests against rising living costs, poor governance, and the presence of French forces.