Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Niger’s capital to demand the departure of United States troops, after the military government further shifted its strategy by ending a a US military agreement and welcoming Russian trainers.
Waving Niger’s flags and marching together in Niamey’s center, a large crowd echoed the anti-French protests of last year. Those protests erupted after a military coup and ultimately led to the departure of French forces from Niger.
The agreement, dating back to 2012, was deemed “unilaterally imposed” by the United States, as stated by Niger’s authorities after a July coup.
Among the demonstrators in front of the National Assembly Headquarters in Niamey were students and several prominent figures from the military regime.
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Chants of “Down with American imperialism” and “The people’s liberation is on the march” resonated through the crowd.
While French troops were expelled at the close of 2023, approximately 1,000 American soldiers remain stationed in the northern city of Agadez.
In late March, Niger disclosed that the US was expected to submit a proposal for the withdrawal of its troops from the country. Washington refrained from commenting but indicated reaching out to Niger for further clarification.
Religious leader Sheikh Ahmadou Mamoudou echoed the sentiment of many protestors, urging the swift and peaceful departure of the American forces.
Despite the fervent display, organizers urged demonstrators to abstain from derogatory slogans against the US or the burning of its flags.
The protest comes as Niger, alongside neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, collaborates in a joint effort to combat persistent jihadist uprisings.
In March, the three nations pivoted away from former colonial power France, strengthening ties with Russia.
AL JAZEERA
