Why Niger protesters attacking French embassy waved Russian flags

Supporters of Niger's new military junta waving Russian flags attacked the French embassy in the country's capital Niamey on July 30, burning French flags, stoning the diplomatic mission and setting its door and walls ablaze, according to agencies.

Many in Niger resent the country’s former colonial power France while Russia is regarded as a powerful alternative. The protesters were seen carrying signs reading “Down with France” and supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to AP. However, the extent of Russia’s involvement in the rallies isn’t clear.

The Wagner Group, a Russian-backed mercenary outfit that made headlines for their involvement in the Ukraine war and their recently failed rebellion against Moscow, is currently operating in Niger's neighboring country Mali. Under Putin, Russia has expanded its sphere of influence in West Africa.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has hailed the coup as good news and offered services of his mercenaries to bring order.

Niger's new leader General Abdourahamane Tiani or other coup leaders have not revealed whether they intend to ally themselves with Moscow or stick with the previous regime's Western partners.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France won't tolerate the attacks on its interests and would immediately respond to any attack on French citizens.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna Catherine Colonna told RTL radio that "the era of coups d'etat in Africa must stop. They are not acceptable.” She added that no evacuation of French citizens was planned as the situation is under control.

The European Union and France have ended financial support to Niger while the US has threatened to do the same.

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a 15-nation bloc, on July 30 imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened use of force if the coup leaders fail to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week.

ECOWAS leaders called for restoring the status quo in Niger at an emergency summit in Nigeria, stating, "Such measures may include the use of force," adding that defence officials would meet immediately to that effect.

ECOWAS and the eight-nation West African Economic and Monetary Union threatened to blockade Niger's borders, ban commercial flights, freeze national assets, end aid and halt financial transactions. The communique added that the coup leaders would be banned from travelling and have their assets frozen.

The African Union has also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the new regime in Niger to reinstall the democratically elected government under President Mohammed Bazoum.

Sani Idrissa, one of the protesters quoted by Reuters, said, "We are here to express our discontent against France's interference in Niger's affairs. Niger is an independent and sovereign country, so France's decisions have no influence on us.”