Niamey, Niger CNN —Tense and sometimes violent scenes played out in front of the French Embassy in Niger Sunday as thousands of people who support a military coup voiced anger over France’s influence in its former colony.
Some protesters tore down a plaque identifying the Embassy, stomped on it and then replaced it with Russian and Nigerien flags.
Shouts of “long live Putin,” “long live Russia” and “down with France” could be heard among the crowds.
President Emmanuel Macron’s office said France would immediately retaliate against anyone who attacks French nationals or facilities in Niger.
Niger’s military leaders may have found one potential ally: the country’s eastern neighbor, Chad.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, Mohamed Bazoum, Putin, ”, Emmanuel Macron’s, Bazoum, Stringer, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, ‘ We’re, I’ve, Karimou Sidi, “
Organizations:
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Locations:
Niamey, Niger, stomped, Nigerien, Russia, France, Reuters Niger, Republic of Niger, ”, Chad, Niger’s, Africa ’ Niger, French, Kanto, Africa, ” Kanto, St, Petersburg, Ukraine, Sahel, Burkina Faso