Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Niamey to demand the immediate departure of French troops from Niger precisely when the deadline given by the authorities of the military junta that governs the country for them to get out of territory of the African nation.

The protests have concentrated on the main base used by French troops Base 101, while the security forces maintain the blockade of the headquarters of the French Embassy to force the French ambassador, Sylvain Itté, to leave the country

Protesters have called for “expelling” French soldiers and put an end to the war, as well as the end of the “interference” of the former colonial power with the “immediate and unconditional” departure of the troops, reports the ActuNiger portal.

“We have met again today here in front of the Niamey French military base to demand the definitive and unconditional departure of the French neocolonial army from our country and through this peaceful and popular demonstration we want to once again ask the French authorities to reason while there is still time”, said Boulamine Moustapha, spokesman for the Single Action Framework of the Living Forces of Change (CUAFVC), a civil society organization.

The protests began on Friday: “Our movement has decided to hold a permanent three-day rally starting this Friday, September 1, 2023 in coordination with various religious and civil society organizations,” he explained.

The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), What is the coup junta called?seized power in a coup on July 25 under the leadership of Abdourahamane Tchiani after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.