Niger’s military junta celebrated the first anniversary of its coup with a grand rally in the capital city of Niamey on Friday.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the stadium, dressed in clothes bearing photos of regime members and chanting the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani.
The event was heavily secured, with armored vehicles deployed around the venue. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine hailed the occasion as a “great popular support” for the regime. “Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such great popular support,” he said.
The junta has made significant changes since taking power, including expelling French forces and distancing itself from some West African nations. It has also formed alliances with other military-led countries in the region, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, who sent representatives to the anniversary event.
Despite ongoing security challenges, including jihadist attacks that have killed dozens of civilians and soldiers, supporters like Fati Hassane and Ibrahim Niando expressed their backing for the regime. “We’re celebrating, our dear country will gradually regain its sovereignty,” said Hassane, while Niando added, “I’ve come to support the soldiers, they’re doing a good job so far.”
The rally also featured flags of Niger’s new allies, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia. However, ousted president Mohamed Bazoum remains detained in his official residence, a stark reminder of the junta’s controversial takeover.
