Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Niger's capital, Niamey, on Thursday, expressing their support for the coup that overthrew the democratically elected government. The rally, organized to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1960, saw demonstrators chanting anti-French slogans and waving Russian flags.

The rally highlighted growing anti-French sentiment in the region, with protesters accusing France of exploiting Niger since its independence. Demonstrator Issiaka Hamadou emphasized that the primary concern for the people is security, regardless of the country providing assistance, and the desire to move away from French influence.

The coup, which led to the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, has raised security concerns among Western nations, prompting the evacuation of European citizens. As a crucial partner in the fight against the Sahel jihadist insurgency, Niger's political instability has alarmed France and other Western countries.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS issued a demand for the coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum within a week or face potential military intervention. The United States, Britain, and other nations have started withdrawing embassy personnel from Niger as a precautionary measure.

President Bazoum, who has been held by the coup plotters since July 26, received support from U.S. President Joe Biden, who called for his immediate release and the preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy. ECOWAS leaders, backed by trade and financial sanctions, are engaging in diplomatic negotiations while considering military intervention as a last resort.

Nigeria, as the current chair of ECOWAS and the region's military and economic power, has vowed strict measures against coups. However, neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso have warned against intervening in Niger, considering it a declaration of war. While the involvement of Russia in the coup remains uncertain, it has been accused of stoking anti-French sentiment in the region.

Russia's presence in Africa has increased through the Wagner mercenary group, often exacerbating existing tensions. However, publicly, Russia has called for national dialogue in Niger and cautioned against threats of intervention. France, which still maintains a substantial military presence in Niger, focused its anti-jihadist mission there after withdrawing from Mali and Burkina Faso.

The insurgency has led to a cascade of coups in the Sahel region, causing a humanitarian crisis and significant damage to the economy. Despite the support of thousands of protesters for the coup, its legitimacy and international condemnation cast doubts on its success.

As negotiations and tensions intensify, ECOWAS, led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, is pursuing talks with the coup leaders. The situation in Niger remains precarious, with regional stability hanging in the balance.