Some Niger artists voice support for new military rulers

Nigerien artists work on a painting showing a portrait of General Abdourahmane Tiani in a map with the colours of the Nigerien flag, in support of the CNSP (the National Committee for the Salvation of the People). in the capital Niamey, Niger August 16, 2023. REUTERS/Mahamadou Hamidou

NIAMEY (Reuters) - Paintings of Niger's coup leader, national flags and symbols of unity have appeared in the capital since a military takeover last month that has seen some artists join a movement supporting the new junta.

Niger military officers who deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 have defied calls from the United Nations, regional and Western powers to reinstate him and gathered thousands of people at rallies condemning the West and praising Russia.