Thousands Mark First Anniversary of Niger Coup

On Friday, Niger’s junta marked the first anniversary of its coup by gathering thousands of people in the capital, Niamey, for a celebration.

The crowd, dressed in clothing adorned with images of regime leaders, chanted the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani. “We’re celebrating; our country will gradually regain its sovereignty,” said Fati Hassane, a member of a women’s group formed since the coup, as vuvuzelas blared in the background.

The event took place in a stadium surrounded by heavy security, including armored vehicles.

Tiani arrived to the rhythm of traditional drums but did not address the crowd. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine praised the event, noting, “Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such widespread popular support.”

The July 26 coup anniversary was declared a public holiday. Following the coup, the junta expelled French forces last year and is expected to finalize the departure of US troops in August. Niger has also severed ties with the regional bloc ECOWAS.

In contrast, Niger has strengthened ties with Burkina Faso and Mali, forming a “confederation” with their military leaders, who were present at the anniversary event. All three countries are engaged in combating jihadist groups, with the junta citing security concerns as justification for its takeover.

Despite ongoing attacks that have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and soldiers in recent months, Niger has deepened its relations with Turkey, Iran, and Russia, whose flags were visible at the stadium.

Meanwhile, ousted president Mohamed Bazoum remains under detention in his official residence as the junta celebrates its year in power.