The military council in Niger demanded the complete withdrawal of French forces from the West African country by September 3.
It’s expected that by the end of this week, supporters of the withdrawal will stage an indefinite protest against the presence of the French army in Niger, as some residents demanded that the authorities cut off the water and electricity supplies to the French base, as well as stop the delivery of food to it.
Last week, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the French ambassador, Sylvain Etty, to leave the country within 48 hours.
Paris said that it was aware of Niger’s request to the ambassador, but indicated that the Niger military leadership didn’t have the authority to make such decisions.
Last Saturday, mass demonstrations took place, with the participation of a large number of Nigerien citizens, in a sports stadium in the capital, Niamey, in support of the ruling military council in the country.
A number of military leaders participated in the mass demonstrations hosted by General Seni Konchi Stadium, in the capital, Niamey, who confirmed that the country’s armed forces stood by the people of Niger, and supported their demands regarding the departure of French forces from the country.
The Association of Municipal Councils and the Association of Regional Councils in Niger, which includes 262 councils, announced their support for the military council in the country, expressing in a statement published after its meeting, Saturday, that it welcomes the decisions of the National Council for the Protection of the Nation for a successful transitional process, affirming its willingness to participate in the national dialogue, while setting aside any political or partisan considerations.
On July 27, soldiers in the Nigerien army announced, on state television, that the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, had been dismissed and detained at his residence, the borders closed, and a curfew imposed in the country.
