Thousands celebrate Niger coup anniversary

Niamey, Niger — AFP

Niger’s military junta gathered thousands of people in the capital Niamey on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of its coup.

Dressed in clothes bearing photos of regime members, the crowd chanted the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani.

“We’re celebrating, our dear country will gradually regain its sovereignty,” said Fati Hassane, part of a women’s group formed since the coup.

The stadium hosting the anniversary event was under high security, including armoured vehicles around the venue.

Tiani arrived to the beats of a traditional drum to greet attendees, but did not address the crowd.

“Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such great popular support,” said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.

The July 26 coup anniversary was declared a public holiday.

After taking power, the junta expelled French forces last year while the departure of US troops is expected to be finalized in August. France has a long history of colonization of the country, followed by interventionism and exploitation for its own interests in the region.

Niger has also distanced itself from some West African nations, severing ties with the regional bloc ECOWAS.

But it has formed a “confederation” with military leaders ruling Burkina Faso and Mali — also former French colonies and regions reeling from foreign interference and French neocolonialism.

All three countries are faced with radical militancy against which military troops are actively engaged.

Dozens of civilians and soldiers have been killed in recent months.

“I’ve come to support the soldiers, they’re doing a good job so far,” said Ibrahim Niando, carrying a national flag.

Niger has also drawn closer to Turkiye, Iran and Russia, whose flags were visible at the stadium.

While the junta celebrated its year in power, ousted unpopular and corrupt president Mohamed Bazoum who had been favoured by France and other Western allies remains detained in his official residence.