Thousands of worshipers gathered at the Great Mosque of Niamey to celebrate the first anniversary of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which came to power in Niger a year ago.
The gathering, organized by Islamic organizations, saw the participation of traditional chiefs and government officials, including Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine. The event featured readings from the Koran, sermons, and prayers.
"Since the beginning, we have been praying in the mosques, and we will not give up until the country has regained peace and total security," said Ibrahim Seini, a member of an Islamic association.
He added, "Muslims must remain united behind their leaders, behind the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, and behind the government. Because we want total sovereignty for our country."
In late July 2023, Niger's military announced on national television the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The military, led by the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdurahmane Tiani, announced the termination of military agreements with France and later with the United States.
The withdrawal of the French military was fully completed at the end of December 2023, while the US forces have already begun the withdrawal process, which is expected to be completed as early as September.
The uranium-rich West African country has also begun to nationalize its natural resources, revoking the operating licenses of traditional foreign companies such as France's Orano.
Among other important steps, Niger's new authorities, with public support, also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, to form the so-called Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This later served as the basis for the formation of the Confederation of Sahel States.