Thousands of people have marched in Niger’s capital to protest against Boko Haram, which has launched deadly raids into the country from Nigeria.
The demonstrators were led by Niger’s Prime Minister Brigi Rafini and protected by a heavy police presence.
There were fears that the Nigeria-based Islamist group, which is known for suicide attacks, would target the march but it passed peacefully.
Boko Haram has intensified attacks in Niger’s border areas in recent weeks.
The march ended outside the parliament building in Niamey, where President Mamahadou Issoufou told the crowds that “Niger will be the tomb” of the Islamists, according to the AFP news agency.
“Nobody attacks Niger without punishment and Boko Haram learned that to its cost last 6 February,” Mr Issoufou said, referring to the group’s attack on Niger’s Diffa region, which was repelled.
“That day, our defence and security forces crushed Boko Haram,” he said.
Niger’s Defence Minister Mahamadou Karidjo said at the time that 109 Boko Haram fighters were killed in the fighting in Diffa, with four soldiers and one civilian losing their lives.
Demonstrators in Niamey told the BBC they believed Niger’s military could prevent Boko Haram gaining a foothold in the country.
“What worries us most is that they are killing our brothers, our sisters, our parents and friends,” said one. “That’s why we support our military 100% to fight them, to kill them.”
Another warned the jihadist group: “Don’t touch our country.”
He added: “Boko Haram cannot be above a state, it’s impossible. They have some showing in an area of the country, but they cannot beat our armed forces.”
Boko Haram continued to attack targets within Nigeria over the weekend, overrunning the town of Askira in the country’s north-eastern Borno state.
Residents said the militants first attacked Askira on Sunday, shooting at civilians and razing homes, before returning on Monday to occupy the town. – BBC.
