Islamic associations have hold a mass rally outside the French military base in Niger, demanding the withdrawal of French troops from the country, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Friday.
The demonstrators are also chanting slogans in support of the Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), as well as of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea that supported the military coup in Niger. Some demonstrators are carrying Russian flags. In addition, the protesters are calling against any acts of violence and terrorism against their country.
On Thursday, Sky News Arabia reported that the CNSP, which was formed by the military that staged a coup in Niger in July, demanded a complete withdrawal of French troops from the country by September 3. It also announced the cancellation of all security and military agreements with France.
On August 18, local media reported that Burkina Faso and Mali had deployed combat aircraft to respond to any military aggression against Niger. Guinea was the first country to back the Nigerien military.
On July 26, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. France condemned the coup, while expressing support for "the legitimate government" of its former colony. For their part, the rebels halted gold and uranium exports to France, blocked French media, and denounced several military pacts with Paris. In mid-August, they also demanded that French troops leave the country by early September. Since the coup, mass rallies have taken place in Niger demanding the complete withdrawal of French troops from the country.