Thousands of people have rallied in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, demanding that France withdraw its ambassador and troops from Niger as its new military rulers have accused France of “interference.”
The protesters held up banners proclaiming, “French army, leave our country.”
Niger’s military government, which seized power on 26 July, has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of using divisive rhetoric in his comments about the coup and seeking to impose a neocolonial relationship with its former colony.
Macron has backed deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and refused to recognise Niger’s new rulers.
Sylvain Itte, France’s ambassador, has remained in Niger, despite a 48-hour deadline to leave the country given more than a week ago.
