Niger commemorated the first anniversary of the withdrawal of French troops from the country, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. This event symbolizes the end of more than a decade of French military involvement in the Sahel region, a period characterized by counter-terrorism operations aimed at combating jihadist groups that have destabilized large parts of West Africa. The conclusion of France’s military operations in Niger has triggered a wave of national pride and political symbolism, reflected in a mass demonstration organized by various civil society and religious groups.
The demonstration, which was held in the heart of Niger’s capital, Niamey, was a vibrant celebration of the nation’s newfound sovereignty. Religious associations and the M62 civil society movement took center stage, rallying thousands of citizens in a public show of unity. Abdoulaye Seydou, the national coordinator of the event, shared the significance of the day, describing it as “one year of victory of good over evil.” This statement encapsulated the sentiments of many Nigeriens who viewed the French withdrawal as a hard-fought triumph in their struggle to expel foreign military presence and reclaim their autonomy.
In his remarks, Seydou emphasized the importance of commemorating this date, calling it a pivotal moment in Niger’s modern history. “This day symbolizes for us one year of victory of good over evil, the first year of victory of the Nigerien people in their struggle to expel the French colonialist forces,” Seydou declared. The withdrawal of French troops followed a series of political upheavals in Niger, including a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum earlier in 2023. The new military leadership, under General Abdourahamane Tiani, has been adamant in severing ties with France and its military presence, which had been stationed in the country as part of the broader counter-terrorism campaign in the Sahel.
The political implications of this anniversary were not lost on the demonstrators, who expressed their solidarity with other oppressed people worldwide. “We are also here to express our solidarity and to expose the hypocrisy of the international community by drawing parallels between Niger and Palestine to show that the Western world has no respect for human rights or democracy,” Seydou added. The parallel between Niger and Palestine was a deliberate choice, underscoring a perceived double standard in Western foreign policy when it comes to respecting the sovereignty of nations, particularly those in the Global South.
The anniversary also served as an opportunity for Nigerien officials to reaffirm their commitment to a future free from foreign military interference. Brigadier General Asmane Abdou Harouna, who represents the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, delivered a speech during the celebrations, sending a message of unity and resolve to the public. Harouna’s address was a reminder of the ongoing political changes in Niger and the broader Sahel region, where the withdrawal of French troops represents a larger shift in geopolitical alliances.
France’s departure from Niger marks the culmination of a significant change in the region’s security landscape. Over the past decade, the French military, operating under the banner of Operation Barkhane, fought jihadist groups that had spread across the Sahel, such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). However, after years of instability, rising anti-French sentiment, and the recent political developments in Niger, France decided to pull its forces out of the country, acknowledging the shift in Niger’s leadership and the broader public’s opposition to its presence.
The departure of French troops from Niger signifies a turning point in the country’s quest for sovereignty and self-determination. It has sparked debates about the future of counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and the role of former colonial powers in African security matters. For Nigeriens, the anniversary serves as both a moment of reflection on the past year’s political developments and a rallying cry for greater control over their destiny.
As Niger moves forward, the events surrounding the anniversary of French troops’ departure will continue to shape the nation’s trajectory. The message from the streets of Niamey was clear: the fight for national dignity and independence is ongoing, and the people of Niger are determined to chart their own course in the world.
