Protesters demand withdrawal of French troops in Niger
Protests are a clear sign of growing anti-French sentiment in Niger and challenges it poses for military government
NIAMEY, Niger – Thousands of protesters in Niger’s capital Niamey have demanded the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
The protests came after the military government expelled the French ambassador from the country and reneged on military agreements with Paris.
The French government has rejected the expulsion of the ambassador and warned that it would respond to its military and diplomatic facilities in Niger if tensions were renewed.
The protests are the latest sign of growing anti-French sentiment in Niger, where the military has been accused of human rights abuses.
The protests were organized by a group called M62, which is made up of students, civil society activists and opposition figures.
The protesters chanted anti-French slogans and carried placards reading “The French army should leave our country”
The French government has said it will cooperate with the Nigerien government in the fight against terrorism.
The protests are a clear sign of growing anti-French sentiment in Niger and the challenges facing the military government.
Niger was thrown into turmoil July 26 when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
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