On Sunday, tense situations broke out in front of the French Embassy in Niger as thousands of people expressed their displeasure with France’s influence in its former colony.
Despite calls from the Kremlin for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected president, demonstrators shouted their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some protesters removed the Embassy’s plaque and replaced it with flags of Russia and Niger. In the crowds, there were cries of “down with France,” “long live Putin,” and “long live Russia.”
In an effort to disperse the protesters, security forces in Niger were seen using tear gas. The office of President Emmanuel Macron declared that anyone attacking French nationals or facilities in Niger would face immediate retaliation from France.
The Niger presidential guard’s overthrow of Bazoum and the installation of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland military junta have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, military coups have occurred frequently in Niger, though political instability has decreased recently.
Bazoum was ordered to be released and reinstated within a week by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The group declared it would “take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger,” including the use of force, if the junta remained in power.
A slew of punitive measures, including the closure of the land and air borders with Niger, were also announced by ECOWAS.
The group declared that it would reject any sort of purported resignation from Bazoum, whom they view as a hostage.
