On November 16, 2024, thousands of Nigeriens filled the streets of Niamey, rallying behind the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and condemning foreign interference. The demonstration, organized by a coalition of civil society groups, followed the reported arrest of a French national accused of espionage.
Protesters expressed solidarity with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, with whom Niger forms the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Speaking to the crowd, Mohamed, a participant, recalled the September 17 attack in Bamako as an example of destabilization efforts and affirmed support for regional leaders, stating, “We are standing by our military. We are with our security forces.”
The march saw the participation of CNSP members, including Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, Chief of Staff to the President, along with student and pupil unions. This show of unity occurred amid ongoing allegations that France was plotting to overthrow the CNSP, which came to power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum and oversaw the departure of French and U.S. troops.
Abdourahamane, a prominent civil society leader, highlighted Niger’s strategic importance, noting, “Losing Niger is a great catastrophe for France… But we are more informed today than our grandparents; we won’t be manipulated anymore.”
The crowd’s chants resonated with the message of sovereignty and resilience. Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane, the main organizer, called for economic and military progress, emphasizing the need to build domestic defense capabilities and foster industrial development.
The demonstration took place ahead of an international conference set to begin on November 19 in Niamey, aimed at bolstering support for the AES states.
