Macron Vows to Respond Robustly to Attacks on French Interests in Niger

In the wake of recent mass protests and an attempted invasion of the French Embassy in Niamey, Niger, the Elysée Palace has declared that French President Emmanuel Macron will not tolerate any attack on France and its interests in Niger. 

The French government has pledged to respond immediately and decisively to any such attacks. The protests were in support of the military coup which ousted the elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum. 

The French government has also announced its support for regional initiatives aimed at restoring the constitutional order and returning President Bazoum to power. The protest was forcefully dispersed using tear gas, and some protestors attempted to break into the embassy building while others removed the sign reading "Embassy of France in Niger." 

France, which deploys 1,500 soldiers in Niger and is an ally of the deposed President, has suspended its aid to the country. The demonstration started with a march towards the National Assembly, where the protestors waved the flags of Russia and Niger. 

The civil movement 'em26', which has previously protested against the French military's operation Barkhane in the Sahel and desert, called for the Sunday demonstration despite the ban on gatherings. 

Niger is the third country in the region to experience a coup since 2020, following Mali and Burkina Faso, and has been targeted by groups affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda.