Protesters rally in support of Niger junta
Anti-sanctions protestors gather in support of the putschist soldiers in the capital Niamey, Niger August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Balima Boureima NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Hundreds of coup sympathizers rallied in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Sunday to show their support for the military junta led by Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Protesters waving Niger and Russian flags voiced solidarity with the military who deposed Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, last month.
It came after the military commander, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, issued a warning against any outside intervention on Saturday.
He also declared a three-year transition plan and stated that the transition principles would be discussed in 30 days at a “dialogue” sponsored by the coup leaders.
Abdourahmane Tchiani, in an address, said that Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.
He also condemned what he described as the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on Niger.
The regional bloc has since rejected the plan to hand over power to a civilian government in three years as proposed by the junta.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musa, said there is no room for prolonged transition anymore.
Last Monday, the West African bloc activated its standby force to remove the coup plotters from the presidential palace and return Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since his overthrow on July 26.
The ECOWAS military chiefs in a summit in Ghana also said they had agreed on a day to move against the coup plotters.
