Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey on Saturday, November 16, to demonstrate their support for the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and denounce alleged foreign efforts to destabilize their country. The march was organized by a coalition of civil society organizations after authorities announced the arrest of a French “spy.”
The protest also showcased solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s partners in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Protesters condemned what they described as imperialist meddling, referencing destabilization attempts in Mali and Burkina Faso.
One protester, Mohamed, expressed his commitment to the military-led government, stating, “On the 17th of September, I was in Bamako when they tried to destabilize Mali. That wasn’t enough for them; they also targeted Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. We are sending a strong message to imperialists: we stand by our military and our security forces.”
Prominent figures from the CNSP, including Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the President’s Chief of Staff, attended the rally, along with members of student and pupil unions. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans condemning foreign interference, particularly targeting France, which has been accused of attempting to regain its influence after being ousted from Niger.
“Losing Niger is a great catastrophe for France,” said Abdourahamane, a civil society leader. “They won’t sit idle while we move forward. But today, Africans have the tools of information and can no longer be manipulated.”
Protesters also outlined demands for sovereignty, economic advancement, and military self-reliance. Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane, the lead organizer of the rally, urged leaders to focus on self-sufficiency in defense and industrial development. “In ten years, the CNSP must ensure we can build weapons to defend ourselves. Tanks, industrial units, and economic development are essential,” he declared to the cheering crowd.
The demonstration precedes an international conference set to take place in Niamey from November 19 to 21, aimed at rallying support for the AES states. The three-day event is expected to highlight strategies for economic and military cooperation among the alliance members.
