<\/p>\n
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has conveyed its \u201crevolutionary wishes\u201d to the people of Niger on the nation\u2019s 63rd year of independence from French colonial rule.<\/p>\n
Reports from Niamey, the capital of Niger on Thursday morning suggested that crowds had gathered, expressing support for the military rulers who deposed Niger’s elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum last week.<\/p>\n
Independence Day in the Republic of Niger is commemorated on August 3, marking the nation’s independence from France in 1960.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, African leaders gave the junta in Niger one week to cede power or face the possible use of force, and being slapped with financial sanctions on the putschists, after the latest coup in the jihadist-plagued Sahel region raised alarm on the continent and in the West.<\/p>\n
In the third coup in as many years to fall on a leader in the Sahel, the president Mohamed Bazoum, was held by the military which then announced General Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of Niger\u2019s presidential guard, as the head of a transitional government in the West African country.<\/p>\n
Last week, Tchiani\u2019s elite military unit detained Bazoum in the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey \u2014 a move which sparked an international flurry of condemnation from leaders within Africa and across the world.<\/p>\n
This week, the first image of Niger\u2019s ousted president was published online after the coup.<\/p>\n
The EFF\u2019s national spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo said developments in Niger are a sign of Nigeriens standing up against France.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we commemorate the valiant struggle for liberation from colonisation in Niger, we also acknowledge the current resolute movement of Nigeriens against France. France, after Niger\u2019s independence, continued meddling in Niger\u2019s political affairs for power and control that ensured its thieving of mineral resources remained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nigerien populace has reached its tipping point against French exploitation of their land and valuable resources, particularly uranium. France has also stationed a military base in Niger,\u201d said Thambo.<\/p>\n
The EFF, led by Julius Malema on Thursday expressed solidarity with Niger \u201cas it asserts its independence and pursues genuine emancipation\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet, we emphasise the importance of a led revolution that stays resolute in liberating our continent from the clutches of western powers. May this Independence Day be etched in Niger’s memory, symbolising lasting liberation from the grip of imperialism,\u201d Thambo added.<\/p>\n
International news channel, Al Jazeera reported that the 62-year-old General Tchiani told the nation that the military\u2019s intervention had been necessary to avoid \u201cthe gradual and inevitable demise\u201d of the country.<\/p>\n
Different nations, including Britain and the US, have announced that they are pulling back their diplomatic personnel in Niger, as a precautionary measure following the toppling of Bazoum.<\/p>\n
AFP reported that US President Joe Biden called on Thursday for the immediate release of Bazoum and for the country’s democracy to be preserved.<\/p>\n
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” Biden said in a statement Thursday, marking the 63rd anniversary of Niger’s independence.<\/p>\n
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