Thousands of people gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of the junta’s coup.

The crowd, dressed in clothes with pictures of regime leaders, chanted the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani.

A member of a women’s group formed after the coup, Fati Hassane, said, “We’re celebrating, our dear country will gradually regain its sovereignty.” The atmosphere was lively with vuvuzelas blaring as the crowd cheered.

The event took place in a stadium that was heavily guarded with armoured vehicles positioned around the venue. Tiani made an entrance to traditional drum music but did not address the crowd.

Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine praised the event, saying, “Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such great popular support.”

The junta declared July 26 a public holiday to mark the anniversary.

Since taking power, the junta expelled French forces and is expected to finalize the departure of US troops by August. Niger has also distanced itself from the regional bloc ECOWAS and has formed a “confederation” with Burkina Faso and Mali, whose leaders sent representatives to the anniversary event. The three countries are fighting jihadist groups, and Niger’s junta has used the security situation to justify its takeover.

Despite the celebrations, attacks by jihadist groups have continued, resulting in the deaths of civilians and soldiers. Ibrahim Niando, carrying a national flag, said, “I’ve come to support the soldiers, they’re doing a good job so far.”

Niger has strengthened ties with Turkey, Iran, and Russia, and their flags were visible at the stadium during the celebration. Meanwhile, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains detained in his official residence.