In Niger, tens of thousands of protesters rallied Saturday outside a French military base demanding French troops leave Niger. Tension has been escalating between Niger and its former colonial ruler since a military coup in Niger in late July. Niger’s new military leaders have ordered French troops and France’s ambassador to leave the country, but France has ignored the requests. Protesters in Niger on Saturday called on the French to leave them alone.

Adama Ali Zourkaleini Maiga: “People say, 'Oh no, people get paid to go out and protest.' That’s a thing of the past. It’s the people of Niger who are out here. You would have to be blind not to see it. We’re fed up. We want to be responsible for ourselves. People think we’re babies. Leave us alone. Is that too much to ask?”