'Complete Freedom': Nigeriens Reflect on Tiani's Speech During Republic Anniversary Celebrations
18:14 19.12.2024 (Updated: 10:37 20.12.2024)
© Getty Images / Balima Boureima/AnadoluPeople gather to stage a demonstration for the repeal of the military agreement, allows military and civilian personnel of the US Department of Defense to serve in the country, upon the call of civil society organizations in front of the National Assembly building in Niamey, Niger on April 13, 2024.
© Getty Images / Balima Boureima/Anadolu
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December 18 marks the establishment of the Republic of Niger and its presidency, symbolizing the foundation of national institutions following French constitutional changes and December 1958 elections. For Nigeriens, it signifies the foundation of their national institutions.
On the Republic Day this Wednesday, Sputnik Africa spoke with Nigeriens who expressed that they have "enjoyed complete freedom," reacting to Abdourahamane Tiani's address to the nation during the celebration of the 66th anniversary of the republic's proclamation.
"The general's speech makes me happy because we have a president who cares about our country," said Maria Saley, deputy administrator of the Libore commune, to Sputnik Africa.
“We have enjoyed complete freedom”: Nigeriens react to Abdourahamane Tiani's address to the nation as the country celebrates the 66th anniversary of the proclamation of the republic pic.twitter.com/r58Sh5Wc3j
— Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) December 19, 2024
In her opinion, Niger has found the right leader. Saley noted that since Tiani took office, Nigeriens have enjoyed complete freedom, and the country has regained its sovereignty. She also believed he used the right words in his speech.
"For us, it is a clear message; it is a message of solidarity; it is also a message of attention so that responsibility is taken by each of those who govern our country," emphasized another citizen named Sidi Mohamed.
"As for sanctions, and everything that was imposed on us, Nigeriens continue to be resilient. Recently […] ECOWAS was scheduled to meet to take sanctions against these three AES countries. […] And what we are asking our authorities to do is to leave [ECOWAS]," explained Amadou Ibrahim.
Another passerby, Aboubacar Souley, expressed his great satisfaction with what Tiani said, stating that he fully supports him. He emphasized that the president is someone who deserves complete backing from the people.