Members of Niger's Movement for Freedom and Dignity are holding a demonstration in front of the French military base in Niamey, demanding the complete withdrawal of French troops from the country, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
"We gathered here today outside the French military base in Niamey to demand the final and unconditional withdrawal of the neocolonial French military from our country," the head of the movement, Moustapha Boulamine, said.
Given that Niger severed all military ties with France, Paris has no grounds, including legal ones, to maintain a military presence in the country, the activist added. Therefore, the movement appeals to French President Emmanuel Macron's "good sense," urging him to withdraw troops from Niger, Boulamine said.
A coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened invasion if the coup leaders do not reinstate Bazoum.