"Niger Witnesses Ongoing Pro-Coup Demonstrations Amid Biden's Call for Release of Bazoum"

In a show of support for the recent removal of Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by his presidential guard, hundreds of people gathered for a mass rally in the capital city of Niamey. The demonstration took place at Independence Square and was organized by a coalition of civil society associations on the occasion of the country's 63rd independence anniversary from France.

The protesters expressed their primary concern for security, welcoming help from any country, including Russia, China, or Turkey, but rejecting French involvement. They accused France of exploiting their nation since gaining independence in 1960, stating that nothing significant had changed.

Among the demonstrators, some were seen brandishing giant Russian flags, further emphasizing their rejection of French influence. One protester held a placard reading "Long live Niger, Russia, Mali, and Burkina. Down with France, ECOWAS, EU."

The coup, which removed President Bazoum from power, has sparked international reactions, with sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and condemnation from the African Union, United Nations, and Western countries. Nevertheless, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani remained defiant, refusing to yield to threats.

US President Joe Biden called for Bazoum's immediate release and the preservation of Niger's democracy, affirming the United States' support for civilian-led governance and respect for the people's right to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

Russia, despite expressing concern about the situation, has seen Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appear to support the coup.

President Bazoum's victory in the 2021 elections had been hailed as a new beginning for Niger, which had experienced four previous coup attempts since gaining independence from France in 1960.

In response to ECOWAS' demands to restore Bazoum to power within a week or face possible military intervention, and amid violent demonstrations outside the French embassy, European countries have been evacuating their nationals. During the rally, the French embassy's windows were smashed, and anti-French slogans were chanted. Almost 1,000 people, mainly French citizens but also including some Americans and Germans, were evacuated to France.

France has urged Niger's new military government to ensure the safety of its embassy in Niamey during the protests, emphasizing that this is an obligation under international law, particularly the Vienna Convention.

Despite the turmoil, the coup leaders asserted that French citizens had no reason to leave Niger as they had not faced any threats.