As the clock ticked down to the end of the ultimatum imposed by the military in power on the French ambassador to leave Niger, an impactful event unfolded in African lands. It was August 27, a day that would witness a fervent demonstration in the vicinity of the French military base in Niamey, Africa, an event closely watched by journalists and geopolitical analysts. In this tense scenario, thousands of individuals who align themselves with the recent coup d'état gave voice to their opinions.
The crowd's high spirits were a direct response to the appeal of organizations that endorse the military who, in a coup d'état, took control of the government on July 26. This power move culminated in an ultimatum to the French ambassador, Sylvain Itté, demanding his departure within a strict 48-hour deadline, with the end scheduled for the evening of Friday, 25 August.
Since dawn, a strategic meeting point near Niamey airport has witnessed the convergence of determined citizens. The area in question, a roundabout adjacent to a Nigerian air base, serves as a strategic location for the French military camp. The Nigerian armed forces closely monitored the situation, while the crowd, vibrant in its expression, held not only the national colors of Niger, but also those of Russia, as well as displaying signs demanding the withdrawal of French troops.
Abou Kountché, a citizen of Niamey, vocalized the collective sentiment by declaring: “We do not want the presence of the French army on Nigerien soil. It’s time for the French to leave our country.” The revolt was rooted in the realization that although France has often labeled Niger as a nation of modest resources, the refusal to withdraw appears contradictory to the economic situation.
The momentum of the demonstration continued to spread, echoing the support of some 20,000 individuals who, the previous day, had gathered in a stadium in the capital to reaffirm support for the military regime and express discontent towards France. In a show of force and indignation, supporters of the military demonstrated in front of the French embassy in Niamey, causing material damage.
Amid this complex scenario, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Fatherland (CNSP), under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, emerged as an influential protagonist. The CNSP's focus was firmly on the former colonial power, France, seen as the primary target of the actions undertaken. The decision to expel the French ambassador reflected a month of unrest, including mass demonstrations, significant decision-making and hostile pronouncements aimed at French politics. All of this resulted from the coup d'état that removed Mohamed Bazoum from power, with him and part of his family still detained.
In response, Paris maintained that “the coup plotters lack the necessary authority to make such a demand, as the ambassador's approval derives only from the legitimate elected authorities in Niger”, represented by President Mohamed Bazoum. It is a scenario where divergent voices express their demands, revealing a complex web of interests and power.
Amid this diplomatic tension, eyes turn to Emmanuel Macron, the French leader, who is about to share France's foreign policy priorities for the African region. An audience with ambassadors scheduled for August 28 in Paris promises to be a moment of great relevance, as it will define the path that French foreign policy will follow in this crucial part of the world.
Thus, the narrative unfolds in Africa, where citizen voices mix with political strategies, creating a complex mosaic of feelings, aspirations and interests, all converging at the crossroads between military power, diplomatic relations and the desire for autonomy. On this geopolitical chessboard, the African region continues to be a focal point, a space where national and international aspirations intertwine in a delicate and often contentious dance.
