Security fears as throngs of Niger coup supporters hit the streets

Supporters of Niger's ruling junta, gather for a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference, in Niamey, Niger, on August 3, 2023. © Sam Mednick / AP

Thousands of people rallied Thursday in Niger's capital in support of the coup that toppled the democratically elected government, as security concerns mounted among Western and African nations.

Demonstrators, some brandishing giant Russian flags, gathered in the heart of Niamey to mark the anniversary of the west African nation's 1960 independence from France.