Demonstrators converged near a base housing French soldiers, responding to a call by several civic organizations opposed to the French military presence in this West African nation. Banners with messages such as "French army, leave our country" were prominently displayed.
The protest gained momentum as more people joined in the afternoon, resulting in a dense crowd forming near the French military base on the outskirts of Niamey. The military regime in Niger had criticized France on Friday, accusing Paris of "blatant interference" for supporting the country's ousted president, coinciding with similar protests.
President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally, was detained on July 26 by members of his own guard. Relations between Niger and France, its former colonial power, deteriorated rapidly after France supported Bazoum.
On August 3, the regime announced the termination of military agreements with France, which has 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country, a move that France has rejected, citing legitimacy. These agreements have various expiration dates, with one from 2012 set to lapse within a month, according to military leaders.
The military rulers also declared the immediate "expulsion" of the French ambassador, Sylvain Itté, and announced the withdrawal of his diplomatic immunity, claiming his presence posed a threat to public order.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Itté's work in Niger and stated that he remained in the country despite being given a 48-hour ultimatum to leave Niger the previous Friday. (ILKHA)
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