‘Why didn’t France want us to speak?’ – Thousands in Niamey celebrate FM’s return and protest UN speech silencing

« Thousands of Nigeriens filled the streets of Niamey on Sunday, celebrating the return of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yaou Babary Sangare, from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and protesting against his prevention from delivering his speech at the event.
Footage shows the streets of Niamey filled with Nigerien citizens, waving flags and chanting slogans before gathering to sing the national anthem. Notable figures from the transitional government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yaou Babary Sangare, joined the crowd.
Minister Sangare took the opportunity to address the assembled throng, expressing his frustration over the attempt to stifle Niger’s voice on the global stage.
“We were prevented from speaking, but our aim was not merely to have our voices heard; it was to ensure that Niger was represented by its rightful delegation. Despite the hurdles we faced, we attended the 78th session and actively participated in the United Nations’ proceedings,” he stated.
Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs also accused France of being the cause behind silencing Niger’s voice on the global stage to protect its interests in the exploitation of African resources.
“Why didn’t France want us to speak? France’s reluctance stemmed from its desire to avoid scrutiny of its role in exploiting our nation’s resources, a practice it seems quite fond of,” he added.
The Minister went on to criticise what he perceived as double standards at the United Nations.
“Acting as the United Nations has done shows a lack of respect for our people. Giving the floor to delegations from Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Gabon, which have recently experienced coups d’état, while denying Niger the same opportunity, represents nothing less than a double standard,” he remarked.
The event in Niamey served as both a homecoming celebration and a powerful statement of Niger’s commitment to international engagement, marking three months since the beginning of the military transition in the African country.
Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of France, was ousted in a military coup in July. »



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