Thousands of people backing the coup in Niger marched through the streets of the capital denouncing France, the country’s former colonial power, waving Russian flags, and setting a door at the French Embassy ablaze on Sunday before the army broke up the crowd.
Demonstrators in Niger were openly resentful of France. Russia was seen by some, as a powerful alternative. Some protesters have carried Russian flags, along with signs reading “Down with France” and supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
