Long live Putin: Supporters of Niger coup chant slogans amid calls to cede power
Tense and sometimes violent scenes unfolded in front of the French Embassy in Niger on Sunday.
As thousands of people who support a military coup expressed anger over France’s influence in its former colony.
During the demonstration, protesters voiced support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, despite calls from the Kremlin to release Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. Some demonstrators tore down and stomped on an embassy plaque, replacing it with Russian and Nigerien flags, while chanting slogans in favour of Russia and against France.
Slogans of “long live Putin,” “long live Russia” and “down with France” could be heard among the crowds.
Nigerien security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the protesters, and there were attempts to start a fire outside the embassy compound. In response to the potential threats against French nationals or facilities, President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated that France would retaliate immediately.
The coup, carried out by members of the Niger presidential guard, led to the installation of a military junta called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. The international community, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), condemned the coup and demanded the release and reinstatement of President Bazoum within a week.
Niger has a history of military coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, but it had experienced relative political stability in recent years until this coup. When Mohamed Bazoum assumed office in 2021, it marked the country’s first democratic transfer of power.
ECOWAS threatened to take measures, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order in Niger if the junta remains in power. The group also announced punitive measures such as closing land and air borders with the country.
France and the European Union expressed their support for ECOWAS organizations if they decide to impose sanctions on the junta and had already cut off financial support for Niger.
Chad, Niger’s eastern neighbor, may be inclined to support the military leaders, as Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was photographed alongside a key figure in the coup in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
Many Nigeriens believe that France has acted as an imperial power, exploiting natural resources and influencing the country’s economy. They accuse France of causing economic hardships in Niger, which is one of the world’s poorest countries and receives substantial financial assistance each year.
Some protesters expressed their desire to see France removed from Africa, reflecting a sentiment that Russia has attempted to capitalize on to bolster its influence on the continent. The region has seen an anti-France and pro-Russia movement in various countries in the Sahel, including Burkina Faso.