Niger Marks Third Anniversary of CNSP Rule with Mass Rally

Thousands gathered in Niamey on Saturday to commemorate the third anniversary of the Refondation du Niger, a milestone marking the arrival of military rule on July 26, 2023.

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“On this memorable date, Niger and its people have decided to turn the page of history by showing their spontaneous support for the CNSP’s action, which has brought an end to thirteen years of governance that have torn apart national unity and put the nation at risk through various forms of repression under a system of servitude and imperialist dictatorship,” said Boubacar Kimba Kollo, a Niger civil society activist.

For protesters, this mobilization is also an opportunity to hail the achievements recorded since the advent of this new dynamic in politics, which has seen Niger engage in a different form of governance.

“July 26 represents for us a date of liberation, a date of hope, and a date that marks the milestones of a new form of governance different from the one we have known during the past thirty years,” said Abdoulaye Salifou, a protester.

“Our country has made significant progress, especially in combating Western imperialism and affirming its sovereignty. We encourage the current authorities to stay on course,” added Moussa Moumouni, also a protester.

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Beyond the celebration, attention is now focused on the challenges ahead, with hopes that reforms will continue and the ambitions of the Refondation be further realized.