Pro-Coup Demonstrators in Niger Protest French Influence, Express Support for Russia

 Read about the tense and turbulent pro-coup protests in Niger, where demonstrators voiced anger over French influence and expressed support for Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin. Discover the implications for the country's political stability and its relations with the international community. Stay informed with CNN's in-depth coverage of this unfolding situation.

Tensions escalated in Niger as thousands of pro-coup demonstrators gathered outside the French Embassy in Niamey, expressing anger over France's influence in the country, which was its former colony. Despite calls from the Kremlin to release the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, protesters showed support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During the protest, a plaque identifying the Embassy was torn down and replaced with Russian and Nigerien flags, while chants of "long live Putin," "long live Russia," and "down with France" resonated among the crowds.

Nigerien security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who were also seen attempting to start a fire outside the embassy compound. In response to potential attacks on French nationals or facilities in Niger, President Emmanuel Macron's office announced immediate retaliation.

The coup, carried out by members of the Niger presidential guard, installed a military junta named the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, drawing condemnation from much of the international community. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded the release and reinstatement of President Bazoum within a week, warning of possible forceful measures to restore constitutional order if the junta remains in power.

Niger's history of military coups since gaining independence from France in 1960 has seen moments of political instability. In 2021, Bazoum's election marked the country's first democratic transfer of power. Demonstrators voiced grievances, accusing France of acting as an imperial power, exploiting natural resources, and influencing the country's economic policies.

Niger's eastern neighbor, Chad, seemed to show some support for the coup leaders, with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno photographed in Niamey alongside a key figure in the putsch.

The protest reflects the anti-colonial sentiment, with Russia attempting to capitalize on it to expand its influence in Africa. Seventeen African heads of state attended an Africa-Russia summit in St. Petersburg, but the turnout was lower due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As the situation unfolds, the region remains closely monitored, and actions taken by ECOWAS, France, the European Union, and potential sanctions could have significant implications for Niger's political landscape and its relationship with foreign powers.