Niger: Population validate military coup, says France is history
On Sunday July 30, 2023, hundreds of thousands gathered on streets, chanting “France must go, Putin welcome”.
The presidential guards had just succeeded to oust their democratically elected leader Mohammed Bazoum on Thursday, but the people are happy. They accused France of using previous leaders for their benefits.
The euphoria to see France leave Niger is huge. The wind of change is blowing across the Sahel region.
Niger’s coup follows that of Mali and Burkina Faso. With France out of the last two countries, their departure from Niger is imminent.
On Sunday, ECOWAS member states met in an extra ordinary meeting and gave Niger junta leaders one week to release deposed President Bazoum. The junta had earlier said any usage of armed forces will be met with resistance.
France has 1500 soldiers deployed in Niger but they become inactive or depart if the junta maintain their stance.
