In Niger, civil society organizations, united within the AES (Alliance of Sahel States), are taking a stand against the European Parliament resolution demanding the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum, detained since the coup of July 26, 2023.
On Saturday in Niamey, hundreds of people denounced the EU's "political manipulation," accusing it of acting under the influence of France.
For Abdourahamane Oumarou, spokesperson for the citizens' watchdog, this resolution conceals a neo-colonial maneuver: "Behind this resolution lies the hand of France, which refuses to accept its historic defeat in the Sahel. Driven out militarily, rejected politically, it is now trying to return through diplomatic pressure. But the people of the Sahel are no longer fooled."
The activists pointed out that Western partners, present in the Sahel for years, have never succeeded in stabilizing the region, despite billions of euros spent. "Our states have embarked on a new dynamic of sovereignty and reconciliation. It is unacceptable that external institutions want to dictate our choices ," insisted Abdourahamane Oumarou.
This declaration is part of a broader movement: Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have called for a large joint demonstration on March 24 to say "No to interference from the European Union." The three countries, members of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), are demonstrating a united will to resist external pressure and defend their regained sovereignty.
