Supporters of Niger's National Concil for the Safeguard of the Homeland protest ouside a French and Niger airbase in Niamey on September 9, 2023 to demand the departure of the French army from Niger. The French army is holding talks with Niger's military over withdrawing "elements" of its presence there following a coup, a defence ministry source said on September 5, 2023. There has been speculation that France will be forced into a full military pullout from Niger after the July 26 putsch, which ousted French ally President Mohamed Bazoum. (Photo by AFP)