Pro-junta rallies tolerated in Niger, but pro-democracy gatherings face crackdowns

A group of young men opposed to ECOWAS sanctions in Niger’s capital, Niamey, stop and inspect cars in a self-declared citizen’s watch drive. Demonstrations in support of the military takeover have been tolerated in Niger since the July 26 coup. But pro-democracy rallies supporting ousted President Mohamed Bazoum have been broken up, leading some activists in Niger to decry the “double standards”.