This Video Features a Senegalese Parade, Not Nigerian or Nigerien Forces
The Claim
A video features Nigerian and Nigerien troops showing off their military abilities during a parade.
News posted on
Emerging story
After the recent coup in Niger, a video was alleged to feature African troops demonstrating their military skills in a parade.
Some users shared the video, suggesting that the soldiers were Nigerians deployed in Niger. Meanwhile, other users shared the video as showing Niger soldiers defending their country against intruders, including those from Nigeria.
One user tweeted, “Look at the soldiers Tinubu want to go and fight with Nigerian soldiers.”
Another user tweeted, “Niger soldiers will be fighting to defend their existence, their fight will be ideological consistent war to defend their nation from the aggression of West Imposed ECOWAS. Thier moral with that of their counterparts are very high. I wish them the best of luck.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the widely circulated video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the viral video to be outdated and unrelated to Niger and Nigeria.
The Video Shows Senegalese Soldiers Parade
Contrary to claims, the original video features a demonstration of the commando forces of the Senegalese army.
A TikTok content creator specializing in content related to Senegal posted the original video on April 6, 2023.
The same user uploaded another video of the parade on April 5, 2023, under the caption, “The Special Forces, elite corps of the Senegalese army. They permanently carry out missions of defense of the national territory and the population. They also contribute, through external operations, to peace and stability in the world.”
Moreover, Misbar’s team discovered that the flags shown in the video are neither of Niger nor Nigeria but actually display the flag of Senegal.
Backlash Grows as Nigeria's Tinubu Pushes for Military Action in Niger
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is encountering significant domestic backlash for his threat to employ military force to reverse the coup in neighboring Niger.
Reports from local media suggest that there was substantial resistance to military intervention during a session of the Senate, the upper chamber of parliament, on Saturday, even though it is under the control of Mr. Tinubu's political party.
This opposition was particularly pronounced among lawmakers representing states along the extensive border spanning over 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) with Niger. However, condemnation of the potential for war has been widespread across the entire country.
The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, had established a Sunday deadline for the junta to relinquish power or face the prospect of military action.
This decision was largely attributed to Mr. Tinubu, who presently holds the position of ECOWAS chairman, and Nigeria wields substantial influence within the organization.
Despite the junta's defiance of the ultimatum, ECOWAS refrained from immediately deploying troops, which brought relief to many Nigerians who favor a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Military Coup in Niger
A coup occurred in Niger in July 2023, executed by the Presidential Guard, resulting in the apprehension of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family. A group of senior officers, the coup instigators, established the National Council for Homeland Protection (NCHP) and declared their assumption of authority through a televised announcement. To ensure security and prevent violence, the Nigerien Armed Forces later collaborated with the NCHP to safeguard the president and his family.
The global community, including the United States, France, the European Union, and ECOWAS, denounced the coup. ECOWAS contemplated potential military intervention and imposed sanctions, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali voiced support for the junta-led Nigerien government and declined to enforce any sanctions.
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