Hundreds of pro-coup protesters demonstrated in front of a French army base in Niger's capital Niamey as West Africa's regional body made moves toward a possible military intervention to restore civilian rule
, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticise Western powers and laud Russia, which is vying for influence with the West in the region.
Popular anger is targeted at former colonial power France, whose forces were kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso after the coups there and whose presence in Niger is under threat. Protesters in Niger"I am here to request the departure of the French forces," said protester Salamatou Hima on Friday. "We are free and we have the right to demand what is beneficial for our country."
Security analysts said the force could take weeks to set up, potentially leaving room for negotiations. Most other countries in the 15-nation ECOWAS have so far either declined to comment or not yet taken a decision. France said it fully backed conclusions of the ECOWAS summit but did not outline any concrete support it would give to a potential intervention.
The U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Friday said the conditions were "rapidly deteriorating" and could amount to a violation of international human rights law.
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