Residents of the town of Gaya in Niger, on the border with Benin, organized a demonstration yesterday in support of the transitional authorities. This city, which is in the south of Niger, remains closed to people from Benin.

Through the peaceful demonstration, the inhabitants of the town of Gaya gave their support to the Nigerien transitional authorities in the standoff between them and Benin.

Local authorities have welcomed this show of support for the Nigerien authorities.

The populations of Gaya have continued to support the closure of their borders to neighbouring Benin.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Mahamane Lamine Zeine announced that the area remains closed until further notice for security reasons. Speaking to the media over the weekend, he justified this decision on the grounds that it bothers on security.