Several hundred individuals responded to a call from putsch leaders in Niger‘s capital, Niamey, on Thursday to gather in support of mutinous soldiers who announced their seizure of power in a coup, citing the West African country’s deteriorating security situation.
During the demonstration, some waved Russian flags, reminiscent of similar gatherings held after coups in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
Tahirou Guimba, a politician in Niger present at the event, emphasised the crucial need for Niger to be reorganised, restored to full sovereignty, and for its citizens to be free.
The day before, protesters had expressed their backing for President Mohamed Bazoum.
In defiance, Bazoum proclaimed on Thursday that democracy would prevail.
While many people in the capital, Niamey, carried on with their daily routines, the country’s current leadership remained uncertain, leaving questions about which side the majority might support.
Previously regarded as the last major partner standing against extremism in a Francophone region, where anti-French sentiment had paved the way for the Russian private military group Wagner, future of Niger now hangs in the balance.
