Thousands of Nigeriens marched Saturday (Nov. 16) in the streets of Niamey in support of the ruling CNSP and to denounce foreign destabilization attempts.
A coalition of civil society organizations had called for a protest after authorities said they arrested a French ‘spy’.
Many protesters also voiced their support of Burkinabe and Malian authorities. Niger, with these two countries, forms the Alliance of Sahel States, or AES.
Members of the junta ruling under the name CNSP attended the march, including Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the President’s Chief of Staff.
Students and pupils’ unions were also in attendance. The demonstration took place amid broader accusations of French plots to overthrow the regime, which deposed Mohamed Bazoum and oversaw the withdrawal of French and US troops.
The protestors concede that their quest for sovereignty will be a long one.
Economic and military development were two demands they voiced to the country’s leaders.
The march comes days ahead of an international conference set to take place in Niamey in support of the AES states.
The 3-day event kicks off in Niamey on Tuesday.