Protests Near Niamey Air Base Demand Withdrawal of French Troops From Niger

Thousands of demonstrators gathered near an air base where French soldiers are stationed, responding to a call by several civic organizations opposed to the presence of the French military in the West African country. They displayed banners with the message: "The French army must leave our country".

In addition, the military authorities in Niger once again condemned the actions of France on Friday, accusing Paris of "blatant interference" for supporting Niger's ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. At the same time, protesters staged a similar protest near a French base outside Niamey.

Take a look at Sputnik's photo gallery covering Saturday's protests in the Nigerien capital!

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Supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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A man holds a placard with the image of Niger's new military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani on as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Nigerien soldiers stand guard as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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A man burns holds a placard as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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A man holds a placard with the image of Niger's new military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani on as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Nigerien soldiers are seen as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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A man holds a placard as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Niger and Russia national flags are seen as supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.

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Supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger.