"Thousands of demonstrators flood the streets, demanding the withdrawal of French troops in Niger (video).

Thousands of protestors converged in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Saturday, September 2, in the latest expression of dissent against the presence of French troops in this West African nation. The military had ousted the elected president over a month ago, resulting in widespread unrest.

On July 26, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, orchestrated a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, plunging the country into turmoil. The regional bloc ECOWAS had threatened to invade the small nation in response.

Videos circulating on social media depict demonstrators passionately chanting anti-French slogans. This protest followed the military administration's announcement of the expulsion of the French ambassador from the country.

A group named M62 spearheaded the weekend protests, which were set to continue until Sunday.

Protesters near the French base in Niamey carried placards reading, "French army should leave our country."

On August 3, Niger's military leadership declared the termination of military agreements with France, a decision contested by Paris, which insisted that it could only be carried out by the legitimate government of ousted President Bazoum.

Subsequently, the military authorities ordered the expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte on Thursday, revoking the privileges and immunities associated with his diplomatic status in a letter addressed to the French Foreign Ministry.

The weekend protests occurred a day after Niger's military administration accused France of "blatant interference" following President Emmanuel Macron's remarks applauding Itte's courage, as he defied a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the West African country.

The French military issued a warning, stating that it would respond if renewed tensions targeted its military and diplomatic facilities in Niger, where approximately 1,500 French troops are stationed as part of a regional counterinsurgency force.