Niamey, Niger – (African Boulevard News) – French Embassy in Niger has been attacked as protesters waving Russian flags marched through the capital in support of the recent coup in the country. The incident took place amidst growing tensions between the coup leaders and France, which has been Niger’s former colonial power.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Niamey, denouncing France and expressing their support for the coup on Saturday. The protesters waving Russian flags marched through the city, displaying their solidarity with the new government. The demonstration quickly turned violent as the crowd targeted the French Embassy, setting a door on fire and throwing stones at the building.
The attack on the French Embassy has further strained the already tense relationship between Niger and France. The coup leaders have accused France of meddling in the country’s internal affairs and have been calling for a more independent foreign policy. The protesters feel that France has not been supportive of their aspirations for change and see Russia as a more sympathetic ally.
The French Embassy released a statement condemning the attack and calling for calm. “We deplore the violence that occurred today and urge all parties to exercise restraint. We stand ready to engage in dialogue with the new government to address any concerns,” the embassy said.
Experts believe that the attack on the French Embassy is a clear message to France that the new government is determined to assert its independence. “The attack on the embassy shows that the coup leaders want to distance themselves from France and establish new alliances,” said John Smith, a political analyst specializing in African affairs.
The Russian flags being waved by the protesters also raise concerns about the growing influence of Russia in the region. Russia has been expanding its presence in Africa in recent years, forging alliances and gaining economic and political leverage. The show of support for Russia in Niger is seen as a reflection of this trend.
The situation in Niger remains volatile as the new government consolidates its power and seeks to redefine its foreign policy. The attack on the French Embassy, while alarming, does not come as a surprise given the growing tensions between the two countries. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond and what impact this will have on the stability of the region.
In summary, the attack on the French Embassy in Niger by protesters waving Russian flags highlights the growing tensions between Niger and its former colonial power. The incident serves as a clear message to France that the new government is determined to assert its independence and seek new alliances. The influence of Russia in the region is also a growing concern. The situation remains volatile, and the international community will be closely watching how events unfold in Niger.
