Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kano on Saturday to voice their opposition to the planned intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to the coup in Niger Republic.

The protestors carried placards and chanted slogans, expressing their concerns over the potential military action. They also sang phrases like "Injustice lies in warring with Niger," "Foreign influences are at play," "Western powers are manipulating this," "Our focus is on Islam," "Our demand is for justice," and "Niger belongs to us."

ECOWAS had previously instructed its member nations' armed forces to be prepared for action in Niger, where a group of soldiers seized power in February. The coup leaders have promised to hold elections within 12 months, but ECOWAS has said that it will not recognize the new government until it meets certain conditions.

The demonstrators in Kano said that they believe that ECOWAS intervention would only lead to further instability in Niger. They also expressed concern that the intervention would be used as a pretext for foreign intervention in the country.

The protest in Kano is the latest sign of opposition to ECOWAS intervention in Niger. In recent weeks, there have been protests in other parts of West Africa, including in Burkina Faso and Mali.

It remains to be seen whether ECOWAS will go ahead with its intervention plans. However, the protests in Kano suggest that there is significant opposition to such a move. (ILKHA)