Protesters gathered near a base housing French soldiers in a West African country, responding to calls from various civic organizations that oppose the French military presence. They displayed banners with the message "French army leave our country."

The demonstration gained momentum in the afternoon, resulting in a dense crowd forming near the French military base on the outskirts of Niamey, the capital.

Tensions between Niger's military regime and France had escalated. The regime accused France of "blatant interference" for supporting the ousted president. President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally elected in 2021, was detained on July 26, leading to a deterioration in relations.

France, formerly the country's colonial power and an ally in the fight against jihadism, faced criticism for its stance on Bazoum's removal.

On August 3, the regime announced the termination of military agreements with France, even though France maintained its soldiers in the country, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the move.

These agreements had different timeframes, with one from 2012 set to expire soon, according to military leaders. Additionally, the military rulers expelled the French ambassador Sylvain Itte, revoking his diplomatic immunity, claiming his presence posed a threat to public order.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Itte's work in Niger and stated that he remained in the country despite being given a 48-hour deadline to leave.

The situation raised questions about the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly Article 22 from 1961, which declares embassy premises as "inviolable" and restricts the entry of agents from the host state without the head of the mission's consent.

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