French embassy in Niger is attacked as protesters waving Russian flags march through capital

By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — 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 are openly resentful of France, and Russia is seen by some as a powerful alternative. Some protesters have carried Russian flags, along with signs reading ‘Down with France’ and supporting President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The new junta’s leaders have not said whether they intend to ally themselves with Moscow or stick with Niger’s Western partners. Niger, a French colony until 1960, had been seen as the West’s last reliable partner battling jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region.