(Adnkronos) – Thousands of people gathered in Niamey to show their “support” for General Abdourahamane Tiani, who has been in power in Niger since the July 2023 coup, following last weekend’s events. Journalists on site reported this, as stated by the Afp agency. The rally, organized by ‘Living Forces of the Nation’, a coalition of civil society organizations, also saw the presence of officers and ministers. Tiani was not present and has not released public statements since Saturday.
Official media also report demonstrations in other cities across the country. The crowd chanted slogans in support of Tiani and the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, the junta in power since 2023. “Niger will not fall,” the crowd chanted to the rhythm of traditional music and military songs. Among the demonstrators were those wearing t-shirts or caps with Tiani’s image. Russian flags were also seen.
“We want to show the whole world that Nigeriens are united” and that “betrayal will not break our determination,” said the Minister of Commerce and head of the M62 civil society movement, Abdoulaye Seydou, to the demonstrators.
Tiani’s “thanks were conveyed” to the crowd with an invitation to “report any movement of suspicious persons.” General Amadou Ibro reiterated that “it was not a mutiny,” but “an attempt to prevent Niger from continuing its march towards sovereignty.” And, he argued in line with accusations already leveled against France, “the masterminds are abroad.”
According to the Nigerian agency Anp, three presidential guards died during the clashes and a young man died after picking up an explosive device. Another person died after being hit by gunfire.
