NIAMEY, Niger (AP) Hundreds of people rallied in support of Niger’s ruling junta in the capital on Thursday, denouncing France and others who have criticized a recent coup as the country’s military leaders sought to exploit anti-Western sentiment to shore up their takeover. As numbers began to swell at a demonstration organized by […]
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Hundreds of people have rallied in support of Niger’s ruling junta, denouncing France and others who have criticized a recent coup. Thursday's protest comes as the country’s military leaders seek to exploit anti-Western sentiment to shore up their takeover. At the demonstration on Niger’s independence day, protesters chanted out support for neighboring countries that have also seen military takeovers in recent years. Some waved Russian flags, and one man brandished a Russian and Nigerien flag sewn together. Last week’s coup toppled President Mohamed Bazoum. It has been accompanied by strident anti-French sentiment and raised questions about the future of the fight against extremism in Africa’s Sahel region. Russia and Western countries have vied for influence there.