Situation in Niger After Military Coup
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

Nigeriens Hold Concert to Celebrate French Envoy's Departure From Country

© AP Photo / Sam MednickNigeriens, some holding Russian flags, participate in a march called by supporters of coup leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani in Niamey, Nige
Nigeriens, some holding Russian flags, participate in a march called by supporters of coup leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani in Niamey, Nige - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 28.09.2023
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Since the July coup, Niger has seen massive demonstrations in support of the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland, formed by coup leaders and calling on France to end its military presence in the West African nation.
Goumbe Star, a band which is popular in Niger, performed a concert in the center of the capital Niamey, gathering thousands of their fans to celebrate the departure of the French ambassador from the country and to support the military who came to power, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
The concert venue was symbolic as the stage was assembled in Francophone Village, where everyone could enjoy listening free of charge to their idols.
The chorus of one of the songs included the words "We need Tchiani", referring to nation's interim leader, and they were greeted with cheers from the audience.
The French Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the country's ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, has arrived in Paris.
On Sunday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said Paris was withdrawing its ambassador to Niamey and all embassy staff in Niger. Macron added that the French military will leave the West African nation by the end of 2023.
French President Emmanuel Macron gestures while speaking during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following their talks in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 26.09.2023
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In Niger, the military overthrew French-backed President Mohamed Bazoum in late July. The coup leadership demanded that France recall its ambassador and withdraw its troops from Niger, although Paris initially refused, saying it would only follow the orders of "legitimate authorities".
A former French colony, Niger has remained the last ally of Western states in the Sahel. The nation possesses considerable uranium reserves, on which France depends. Niger is estimated to account for between 15 and 17 percent of the uranium used for electricity generation in France. At present, about 1,500 French military personnel are stationed in Niger.
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