Niger coup supporters rally as regional force mulls intervention

West African leaders gather for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria August 10, 2023. REUTERS/Abraham Achirga

NIAMEY (Reuters) -Thousands of people gathered in Niger's capital on Friday to demonstrate in favour of last month's coup as regional leaders were considering military intervention to restore civilian rule.

Since the July 26 military ouster of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticise Western powers and laud Russia, which is vying for influence with the West in the region.