https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230811/every-time-we-have-demonstration-russian-flags-must-fly-nigers-protesters-1061256648.html
'Every Time We Have Demonstration, Russian Flags Must Fly': Niger's Protesters
'Every Time We Have Demonstration, Russian Flags Must Fly': Niger's Protesters
Sputnik Africa
Since the military coup in Niger at the end of July, numerous demonstrations have been organized in support of the ruling military. Participants took to the... 11.08.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-08-11T17:02+0200
2023-08-11T17:02+0200
2023-08-11T17:02+0200
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During the rallies in Niger, several demonstrators waved Russian flags while chanting anti-French slogans, including: "Down with France." In this regard, Sputnik Africa interviewed several Nigerien activists to shed some light on the unexpected and surprising popularity of the Russian tricolor. According to activists, the ubiquity of the Russian flag in Niger reflects the nation's desire to cut ties with France, its former colonizer, and hope for a rapprochement with Moscow, which has proven to be a "reliable partner" of the developing world.Increased Demand for Russian FlagsFollowing the developments in the West African country in late July, Russian flags have become very popular among local residents. Since the coup, Nigerien tailors have made dozens of Russian flags, while some citizens have even bought three-colored fabric to sew themselves a tricolor.It is not unusual to order the Russian tricolor from a tailor, according to Abdourahmane Kindo, the president of the Niger branch of the NGO Parade (Russia-Africa Alternative Partnership for Economic Development). He elaborated that the organization "made several [flags] at the tailors to go demonstrate."Earlier, Birahim Soumare, former ambassador of Mali to Turkey, told Spunik Africa that the Russian tricolor has acquired a new symbolism in Niger. He explained that the Russian flag is used there "as a banner of a breath of freedom, a breath of sovereignty, a breath of the will to make our own strategic decisions and also to ensure the superior interests of our peoples."Building Closer Ties With RussiaThe reason for the omnipresence of the Russian tricolor, according to Sputnik's interlocutors, is the desire to sever ties with the former colonial power and the hope for a strong partnership with Moscow.The Nigeriens "are trying to change French policy, they are trying at all costs to find a way to get rid of it, that is why they are flying the Russian flag," said Maikoul Zodi, Nigerien activist, local coordinator of the TournonsLaPage movement. He also pointed to positive effects of cooperation with Russia. Speaking about Moscow's relations with Mali, Niger's neighbor, he emphasized that Bamako "was saved by Russia." Therefore, Na-Allah Harouna added, the Nigeriens also decided to show their desire to "build relations with Russia." Kindo, for his part, pointed out that Moscow "is a reliable partner compared to our traditional French and European partners."On July 26, Niger's presidential guard ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader and the president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The events drew condemnation from several Western countries, as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which urged the rebels to restore constitutional order in Niger. Following the military coup, the nation saw a wave of anti-French sentiments. A few days after the takeover, thousands of people gathered in front of the French Embassy in the capital of Niger, Niamey, calling for the closure of the foreign military bases and expressing their support for the military leadership. Last week, Sputnik correspondent reported that students of the Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey rallied on August 4 to protest possible military interference in Niger and "illegal" sanctions imposed against their country by ECOWAS.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230805/students-in-niamey-protest-illegal-sanctions-possible-foreign-interference-1061079264.html
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230730/watch-thousands-of-protesters-at-french-embassy-in-niger-demand-closure-of-foreign-bases-1060927951.html
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west africa, niger, africa insight, protests, mohamed bazoum, russia, russia-africa cooperation, abdourahamane tiani, military base, military, france
'Every Time We Have Demonstration, Russian Flags Must Fly': Niger's Protesters
Longread
Since the military coup in Niger at the end of July, numerous demonstrations have been organized in support of the ruling military. Participants took to the streets in the capital, Niamey, and other parts of the country to protest possible foreign interference and coup-related sanctions.
During the
rallies in Niger, several demonstrators waved Russian flags while chanting anti-French slogans, including: "Down with France." In this regard,
Sputnik Africa interviewed several Nigerien activists to shed some light on the unexpected and surprising popularity of the Russian tricolor.
According to activists, the ubiquity of the Russian flag in Niger reflects the nation's desire to cut ties with France, its former colonizer, and hope for a rapprochement with Moscow, which has proven to be a "reliable partner" of the developing world.
Increased Demand for Russian Flags
Following the developments in the West African country in late July, Russian flags have become very popular among local residents. Since the coup, Nigerien tailors have made dozens of Russian flags, while some citizens have even bought three-colored fabric to sew themselves a tricolor.
"Today, even among vegetable sellers, you can see the Nigerien and Russian flags side by side," said Na-Allah Harouna, head of the Revolutionary Front for the Sovereignty of Africa, in an interview with Sputnik Africa.
It is not unusual to order the Russian tricolor from a tailor, according to
Abdourahmane Kindo, the president of the Niger branch of the NGO Parade (Russia-Africa Alternative Partnership for Economic Development). He elaborated that the organization "made several [flags] at the tailors
to go demonstrate."
Na-Allah Harouna's association often says to one of these professionals before a rally: "Every time we have a demonstration, the Russian flags must fly."
Earlier, Birahim Soumare, former ambassador of Mali to Turkey, told Spunik Africa that the Russian tricolor has acquired a new symbolism in Niger. He explained that the Russian flag is used there "as a banner of a breath of freedom, a breath of sovereignty, a breath of the will to make our own strategic decisions and also to ensure the superior interests of our peoples."
Building Closer Ties With Russia
The reason for the omnipresence of the Russian tricolor, according to Sputnik's interlocutors, is the desire to sever ties with the former colonial power and the hope for a strong partnership with Moscow.
The Nigeriens "are trying to change French policy, they are trying at all costs to find a way to get rid of it, that is why they are flying the Russian flag," said Maikoul Zodi, Nigerien activist, local coordinator of the TournonsLaPage movement.
According to Zodi, "if we have recourse to Russia, we could protect our territory," especially in the light of "threat from France, which is able to attack Niger." For the activist, the former colonial power "is the source of all the misfortunes" of the nation.
He also pointed to positive effects of cooperation with Russia. Speaking about Moscow's relations
with Mali, Niger's neighbor, he emphasized that Bamako "was saved by Russia."
Therefore, Na-Allah Harouna added, the Nigeriens also decided to show their desire to "build relations with Russia." Kindo, for his part, pointed out that Moscow "is a reliable partner compared to our traditional French and European partners."
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader and the president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The events drew condemnation from several Western countries, as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which
urged the rebels to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Following the military coup, the nation saw a wave of
anti-French sentiments. A few days after the takeover, thousands of people gathered in front of the French Embassy in the capital of Niger, Niamey, calling for the closure of the foreign military bases and expressing their support for the military leadership.
Last week, Sputnik correspondent reported that students of the Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey rallied on August 4 to protest possible military interference in Niger and "illegal"
sanctions imposed against their country by ECOWAS.
