by Nurat Uthman
Niger’s junta gathered thousands of people in the capital Niamey on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of its coup.
Dressed in clothes bearing photos of regime members, the crowd chanted the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani.
“We’re celebrating, our dear country will gradually regain its sovereignty,” said Fati Hassane, part of a women’s group formed since the coup, as vuvuzelas blared in the background.
The stadium hosting the anniversary event was under high security, including armoured vehicles around the venue.
Tiani arrived to the beats of a traditional drum to greet attendees, but did not address the crowd.
“Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such great popular support,” said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
The July 26 coup anniversary was declared a public holiday.
After taking power, the junta expelled French forces last year while the departure of US troops is expected to be finalised in August.
Niger has also distanced itself from some West African nations, severing ties with the regional bloc ECOWAS.
But it has formed a “confederation” with military leaders ruling Burkina Faso and Mali, who sent representatives to the anniversary event.
All three are fighting jihadist groups, with the Niger junta using the security situation as a justification for its coup.
Attacks have continued, however, with dozens of civilians and soldiers killed in recent months.
“I’ve come to support the soldiers, they’re doing a good job so far,” said Ibrahim Niando, carrying a national flag.
Niger has also drawn closer to Turkey, Iran and Russia, whose flags were visible at the stadium.
While the junta celebrated its year in power, ousted president Mohamed Bazoum remains detained in his official residence.
