"Nigerians Rally Against French Presence Following Coup"

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in Niger's capital, Niamey, demanding the withdrawal of French troops following a military coup that has gained widespread popular support. France's influence in West Africa has diminished in recent years, and its forces have been expelled from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso after coups in those countries. Anti-French sentiment has increased in Niger since the coup, and last week, France ignored the junta's order to expel its ambassador. The protests indicate continued support for the junta and opposition to France's presence in the region.