Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets of Niger’s capital on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of United States troops following the government’s decision to terminate a military agreement with the US.
Marching through central Niamey, the protesters brandished Nigerien flags, evoking memories of anti-French demonstrations that led to the departure of France’s forces from Niger last year following a coup.
Chants of “Down with American imperialism” and “The people’s liberation is on the march” echoed through the crowd. “Students and High-Profile Figures from the military government were among the demonstrators at Niamey’s National Assembly Headquarters”
Niger had been a crucial security ally of France and the US before the military coup but the alliance ceased after the junta took over power in the Republic of Niger in July 2023 after President Mohamed Bazoum has been ousted from office.
In March, Niger suspended its military agreement with the US, which had approximately 650 personnel stationed in the country as of December, according to a White House report to Congress. The US military operates a significant airbase in the Nigerien city of Agadez, nearly 920 kilometers (572 miles) from Niamey, utilizing it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations.
Niger’s decision to suspend military cooperation with the US in March follows its leaders’ severance of ties with France last year.
According to AFP News, the three neighbouring countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have turned their backs on former coloniser France and strengthened their ties with Russia.
