Supporters of the Military Government in Niger Shouted Putin's Name and Set Fire to the French Embassy

Thousands of supporters of the military government that seized control of Niger in a coup last week marched on the streets of Niamey, the capital of the country, on Sunday, August 8, waving Russian flags and shouting the name of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. They also condemned France, the former colonial power in Niger, vehemently. According to the English section of Voice of America and reports from someone present at the French embassy, as well as images released from the city, the protesters marched towards the French embassy and then set one of its doors on fire. According to the same report, the Nigerien army dispersed the crowd of protesters. The Wagner mercenary group is currently active in neighboring Mali, and Vladimir Putin is seeking to increase Russia's influence in the region. However, it is still unclear whether the new military leaders in Niger will align with Moscow or join Niger's Western partners. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Sunday that it would hold an emergency meeting in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. ECOWAS stated that it would suspend its relations with Niger and would authorize the use of force if the President does not return within a week. According to ECOWAS, 'If the demands of the authorities are not met within a week, take all necessary actions to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such actions may include the use of force. For this purpose, the defense chiefs of ECOWAS must meet immediately.' A few days after the coup, uncertainty about Niger's future has increased, with some attributing the military government's reasons to the dominance of military power. Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Niger, was elected two years ago in the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power since the country gained independence from France in 1960. The rebels cited his 'inability to ensure security in Niger against the increasing violence of jihadist forces' as the reason for his ousting. Experts say that given the millions of dollars in military aid that the international community has poured into Niger, the risk of Niger turning away from the U.S. and its other allies is very high among other countries in the region. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, said on Saturday, 'The continuation of Niger's security and economic cooperation with the United States is contingent upon the release of Bazoum, who is under house arrest, and the immediate restoration of democratic order in Niger.' Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, also stated on Sunday, 'Attacks on France and its interests will not be tolerated.' He said that anyone who attacks French citizens, military, diplomats, and officials will receive an 'immediate response.' This attack came after France's decision on Saturday to suspend all developmental and financial aid to Niger. The military coup in Niger has been widely condemned by its neighbors and international partners, who have also refused to recognize its new leaders and called for the return of the former President Bazoum to power. The United States, in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States and other European leaders, has strongly condemned the coup in Niger and called for the immediate release of President Bazoum. Nigerien army officers introduced General Abdourahamane Tiani as the head of the new government on Friday, August 6, announcing that with the ousting of President Bazoum and the suspension of the constitution by them, all previous institutions have been dissolved.