In Continued Anti-Western Propaganda, Hundreds Protest Against France in Niger

As military coup leaders in Niger seek to exploit anti-Western sentiments to bolster their power, hundreds protested against France and countries condemning the coup in Niamey, the capital, on Thursday. Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Niger, whose leadership was described as the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power since independence from France in 1960, was ousted by a military coup last week. Reuters reports that this coup, accompanied by strong anti-French sentiments, has raised concerns about the future of the fight against extremism in the Sahel region, an area where Russia and Western countries are competing for influence. The coup has been strongly condemned by Western countries and the regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has given the military government until Sunday to release Bazoum, who is under house arrest. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the new military ruler, criticized those condemning the coup on Wednesday and called on the people to be ready to defend the nation. The Associated Press notes that it is still unclear whether the majority of the population supports the coup, as life continued normally in many parts of the capital on Thursday. France has 1,500 troops in Niger conducting joint operations with the country's army against jihadists linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, while the United States and other European countries have assisted in training Nigerien forces. The French military announced that five flights have evacuated over 1,000 people from Niger this week. U.S. President Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum on Thursday, stating that "Niger is facing a significant challenge to its democracy." He added, "Nigeriens have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will in free and fair elections, and this must be respected." Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Abdourahamane Tiani's claims justifying the coup by referencing ongoing tensions and insecurity. However, analysis of data related to attacks and casualties in Niger, where Islamist insurgency is rampant, indicates that security has actually improved under the tactics employed by Bazoum's government and with the assistance of French and American forces. Security analysts warn that instability in Niger could allow al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups to expand their influence in the region. According to reports from various sources, including news organizations, human rights groups, and local officials, violence in Niger decreased by nearly 40% in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous six months. Colonel Ahmedou Abdourahamane stated that France, in collusion with some Nigeriens, is exploring military intervention options. Supporters of the military government in Niger chanted Putin's name and set fire to the French embassy, while the U.S. and Europe called on the military government to restore power to the elected government.