The people of Niger marched arm in arm to demand the departure of U.S. troops from their soil. They assembled in central Niamey to show support for Niger ending a military accord with the United States. It is uncertain whether the United States will leave Niger entirely.

Protestors held signs with messages like “Down with American Imperialism” and “U.S.A. rush out of Niger.” Many Nigerians criticize the control Western nations, including France and the U.S. gained through military involvement over time. Others at the rally held Russian flags in support of fostering closer ties with Russia.

This rally has valid intentions. Western involvement in nations such as Niger has often contributed to harmful economic or societal dependencies on the West. Getting the United States to leave may enable greater independence for Niger. However, in current conditions, Niger may need this international attention and aid. Niger is also one of the poorest countries in the world and receives financial support from external parties. The presence of American troops can be considered a form of neocolonialism, as the United States is implementing control on the West African nation, but it may also be a way to preserve the country from chaos.

This past July, a coup overthrew Niger’s former democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. The junta in power has urged Nigerians to protest against the Economic Community of West African States (E.C.O.W.A.S.), which disapproved of the military coup. The junta wishes for things to change, recently ending a 2012 military accord with the United States that was “unilaterally imposed” on Niger. The current government of Niger wants American troops off their soil, and hundreds are demonstrating their support for this decision in Niamey. These military rulers seem to be following the actions of military rulers in the neighboring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso. Both ousted French and other European forces from their soil and embraced support from Russia instead.

There are great implications for the international community if the people of Niger succeed in getting U.S. military forces out of the country. Russia will likely support Niger, increasing their involvement and control in the region. In terms of achieving peace in Niger, removing military forces when they are not necessary is a helpful step. Knowing that Niger is currently governed by military officials, though, it seems like the militarization of the area will not be going away just because the U.S. is no longer a part of it. Overall, what matters most is that Nigerian’s’ interests are being considered and their rights protected.