Hundreds rally in Niger as junta seeks to justify coup

Supporters of Niger’s ruling junta gather for a protest called to fight for the country’s freedom and push back against foreign interference, in Niamey, Niger (Sam Mednick/AP)

Hundreds of people have rallied in support of Niger’s ruling junta in the capital, denouncing France and others who have criticised a recent coup, as the country’s military leaders sought to exploit anti-Western sentiment to shore up their takeover.

As numbers began to swell at a demonstration organised by the junta and civil society groups on Niger’s independence day, protesters in Niamey pumped their fists in the air and chanted support for neighbouring countries that have also seen military takeovers in recent years.