Niger, demonstration against foreign interference: "ready to defend our country"

  The people of Niger took to the streets once again to express their support for the current military-led government of the country and… against the interference of countries like the United States and France. According to the AAA Press agency from Niamey, the streets of the capital Niamey were once again the scene of a great march by mostly young people, who chanted slogans in support of the new military executive of this country. The demonstrators condemned the approach of the big media especially the western ones regarding the social and political developments of the country, because "they don't tell the truth". The Nigerian protesters stressed that they continue to fight against French and American imperialism. The people of Niger continue to demand once again the withdrawal of French troops from the country and the complete independence of Niger. Simultaneously with this demonstration, an Islamic delegation from Nigeria went to Niamey and met with General Abdel Rahman Chiyani, head of the Transitional Council of Niger, and the new Prime Minister of this country, Ali Muhammad Lamina Zain.

The parties discussed how to find a solution to the crisis in Niger. There are currently around 1,500 French soldiers left in the country despite the coup d'état which last July 26 led to the dismissal of the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who remains hostage to the coup plotters. Last week, the coup junta denounced the military cooperation agreements with France, however the French government said it did not recognize the decision as it was issued by authorities deemed not legitimate. Yesterday the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO), meeting in Abuja, approved the deployment of a rapid regional intervention force to restore constitutional order in Niger.