On Sunday, Nigerien civil society organizations supporting the new national military authorities organized a march "followed by sit-ins" to mark the month of demonstrations in front of the French military base in Niamey and celebrate the departure of the French ambassador.
Thousands of people marched a distance of three kilometers before gathering near the base, at the Escadrille roundabout renamed "Place de la Resistance" (Resistance Square). The demonstration was supported and promoted by the key workers' unions.
Just the Beginning
"This victory is not, if you like, a total victory of this revolution, it is only the beginning. We call on the entire Nigerien population to mobilize until the last French soldier leaves Niger," declared the demonstrators cited on social networks.
Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare spoke during the demonstration. He outlined the content of the speech he wanted to give at the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations, but was prevented from delivering. He notably accused France of being behind these manipulations, as reported by the Anadolu agency.
Relationships at Their Lowest
Following last July's military coup, tensions has persisted between the French authorities and those of its former colony. The ruling military are calling for the withdrawal of French troops from the country. They also plan to dictate future relations with France, asserted General Abdourahamane Tchiani on Saturday in two interviews given in local languages, one in Djerma, the other in Hausa, to the national television station, Tele Sahel.
Last week, President Macron announced the immediate departure of the French ambassador in Niamey and the withdrawal 1,500 or so French troops deployed in Niger, "by the end of the year". Thousands of Nigeriens have demonstrated every day since September 2 in front of the French base in Niamey to demand a prompt departure of the contingent.