In a show of unity, thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey, protesting against alleged external interference and destabilization efforts in the country. The demonstrators called for sovereignty and resistance to foreign influence.
On Saturday, November 16th, thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey to show their support for the ruling CNSP and condemn foreign attempts at destabilization.
A group of civil society organizations announced a protest following the authorities’ claim that they had arrested a French “spy.”
Numerous protesters also expressed their support for the authorities in Burkina Faso and Mali. Together with Niger, these two countries constitute the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Mohamed stated, “I was in Bamako on September 17th when an attempt to destabilize Mali occurred [Editor’s Note: a deadly terror attack struck the capital that day]. However, they weren’t satisfied with just that; they also attempted to unsettle Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. This is why we are sending a strong message to all those imperialists—know that we support our military and stand firmly with our security forces.”
Members of the ruling junta, known as CNSP, participated in the march, including Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, who serves as the President’s Chief of Staff.
Unions representing students and pupils were also present.
The demonstration occurred against a backdrop of widespread accusations regarding French conspiracies to topple the regime responsible for deposing Mohamed Bazoum and managing the withdrawal of both French and US troops.
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“Losing Niger is a significant disaster for France,” says Abdourahamane, a civil society leader.
They weren’t going to remain idle and watch us depart. They’ll do whatever it takes to return, but our advantage is that we’re much more informed than our grandparents were. Today, Africans have a strong command of information technology, making manipulation far less likely.
The protesters acknowledge that achieving their goal of sovereignty will take a long time.
They voiced demands to the country’s leaders for advancements in both economic and military sectors.
“Will they be able to colonize us once more?” inquired Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane, the lead organizer. “No,” replied a joyous crowd.
In that scenario, over the next decade, the CNSP must prioritize developing weapons for our defense. We need to produce our combat tanks and establish industrial facilities. Economic development is also essential.
The march occurs just days before an international conference scheduled to be held in Niamey, aiming to support the AES states.
The three-day event begins in Niamey on Tuesday, November 19th.
