30.12.2023, Niamey.
Thousands of residents of the capital Niamey celebrated the withdrawal of the French military from Niger, Agence France-Presse wrote on December 30.
France completed the withdrawal of its military from Niger on December 22, 2023. Thousands of people took to the streets of Niamey, the republic’s capital, to celebrate this event.
The rally was attended by Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kielem de Tambela and Mali’s Prime Minister Shogel Kokalla Maiga. Both Prime Ministers traveled to the country to express support for the authorities of Niger.
Concerts and acrobatic performances took place during the demonstration. Participants chanted anti-French slogans. Flags of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Russia were flying above the crowd.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
A protest started near the French airbase in Niamey on September 2, 2023. The protesters demanded that France withdraw its troops.
The events that led to the withdrawal of the French contingent from Niger began on July 26, 2023, when the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland, headed by Guard Commander Abdurahmane Tchiani, came to power through a military coup. The military removed President Mohammed Bazoum from power. A transitional government was formed in August 2023.
In late September 2023, French authorities announced the evacuation of the embassy. On December 22, 2023, France announced the closure of its embassy in Niger.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
