EU, France condemn anti-French protests in Niger following coup

The European Union and France have condemned violence against its diplomatic mission in Niger and pledged to react strongly to any attack on its nationals or interests, as anti-French protests took place outside the French Embassy in Niamey on Sunday following last week's military coup.

Protesters hold a sign taken from the French Embassy in Niamey during a rally in support of Niger's junta in Niamey on July 30, 2023. © AFP

UPDATE 09H00 CET:

The EU said Monday it would hold Niger's putschists responsible for all attacks on civilians, diplomatic personnel and embassies after pro-coup demonstrators rallied outside the embassy of former colonial ruler France.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement that the European Union will also "quickly and resolutely" apply the decision of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to apply economic sanctions on Niger.

The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch in #Niger.

The constitutional order needs to be fully restored, without delay.

We stand ready to support the upcoming decisions of @ecowas_cedeao

https://t.co/tPyLLyKp5x

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 29, 2023

Meawnhile, French President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement "The President will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests," specifying that it would respond to attacks against French diplomats, armed forces or businesses.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Affairs ministry condemned all violence against diplomatic missions and called on Niger authorities to protect the French mission as required under international law.

Between 500 and 600 French nationals are currently in Niamey, according to the Foreign Ministry.

#Niger Je n’ai jamais autant regardé la chaîne Nationale. Des manifestants affluent sur la Place de la Concertation à Niamey pour exprimer leur soutien au putsch. La la TV nationale retransmet en direct la marche. #sahel pic.twitter.com/2b0qGXIBMo

— Georges Attino (@AttinoG) July 30, 2023

Journalist Georges Attino tweeted video showing large numbers of people gathering in Niamey in support of the putschists. National television rebroadcast the demonstration live.

Some of the protesters outside the French embassy chanted "Long live Russia", "Long live Putin" and "Down with France", according to France's AFP news agency.

• West African leaders threaten intervention in Niger after military coup

All development aid to Niger suspended

Macron has spoken with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and former president of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou in the last few hours, the statement from the president's office said, adding that both of them condemned the coup and called for calm.

France, the former colonial power in Niger, announced on Saturday it was cutting all development aid to the country and called for Bazoum to be returned to office following his ouster late on Wednesday.

Niger has been a security partner of France, and the United States, which have used it as a base to fight an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa's wider Sahel region.

France has 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, which up until now work hand in hand with Niger's army.

(with newswires)