Protesters Set French Embassy Door Ablaze as Niger's Future Hangs in the Balance

Thousands of supporters of the military junta that recently took over Niger in a coup marched through the streets of the capital, Niamey, on Sunday. The protesters denounced the country's former colonial power, France, and even set a door at the French Embassy ablaze. The burning door was captured on video and black smoke could be seen across the city.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is already operating in neighboring Mali, is seeking to expand Russia's influence in the region. However, it remains uncertain whether the new junta leaders will align with Moscow or maintain Niger's Western partnerships.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that attacks on France and its interests will not be tolerated, and anyone who targets French nationals or authorities will face an immediate response. Niger, which was a French colony until 1960, has been seen as the West's last reliable partner in countering jihadist activity in Africa's Sahel region.

France currently has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with Niger's military. The United States and other European countries have also provided assistance in training Nigerien troops.

However, the situation in Niger has become more complicated following the coup, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspending relations with Niger and authorizing the use of force if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.

The African Union has also issued a 15-day ultimatum for the junta to restore the democratically elected government. President Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago, was overthrown by members of the Niger military who named Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani as the new leader.

While the mutineers claimed they ousted Bazoum due to his inability to address growing jihadi violence, some analysts and Nigeriens believe it was driven by internal power struggles. The security situation in Niger, though dire, is not as severe as in neighboring Burkina Faso or Mali, where there have been ongoing battles against Islamic insurgency.

However, if Niger turns away from its Western partnerships, it could have significant consequences for the country, given the substantial military assistance it has received from abroad. The unrest in Niger has sparked concerns, both domestically and internationally, about the future of the country.

There are fears of further coups, increased intervention from international bodies like ECOWAS, and potential economic sanctions that could significantly impact the lives of Nigeriens, who already face high levels of poverty. The outcome of negotiations and efforts to restore democratic order remains unclear, but it is evident that the situation in Niger is highly volatile and could have far-reaching implications for the region.