Available reports on the streets of Niamey on Saturday, revealed that many residents said they were preparing to fight back against an ECOWAS military intervention.
Thousands of people lined up outside the main stadium to register as fighters and volunteers to help with other needs in case the military required support.
Some people said they had been waiting since 3 a.m., while groups of youths boisterously chanted in favour of the military rulers and against ECOWAS as well as the country’s former colonial ruler, France.
I am here for recruitment to become a good soldier.
We are all here for that,” said Ismail Hassan, a resident waiting in line to register. “If God wills, we will all go.”
Events organiser Amsarou Bako claimed the military was not involved in recruiting volunteers to defend the coup, although it was aware of the initiative.
Hours after the drive started, the organisers said it would be postponed but did not explain why.
