Hundreds rally in Niger's capital to push for U.S. military departure

Nigeriens gather in a street to protest against the U.S. military presence, in Niamey, Niger April 13, 2024. REUTERS/Mahamadou Hamidou

NIAMEY (Reuters) - Hundreds took to the streets of Niger's capital on Saturday to demand the departure of U.S. troops, after the ruling junta further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the United States and welcoming Russian military instructors.

Marching arm in arm through central Niamey, the crowd waved Nigerien flags in a demonstration that recalled anti-French protests that spurred the withdrawal of France's forces from Niger last year after the army seized power in a coup.