Niger Coup Explained: West Points to Russia, Ignores Neocolonialism

CovertAction Bulletin

On July 26, former President Mohamad Bazoum was removed from power by a military general, Tchiani. This has set off a wave of condemnation and threats of military intervention from the US and France, for whom Bazoum proved to be a reliable ally. Thousands have rallied to support Niger’s new leadership since July 26, reportedly carrying banners reading ”Down with France” and “Foreign bases out”. The US has about 1,100 troops in Niger and France has about 1,500.

Rather than analyze the reasons behind abject poverty and anti-Western sentiment in Niger and much of the region, Western countries led by the US and France are pointing to Russian interest in the region while purposely ignoring their own neocolonial history.

To understand the situation in Niger and how it impacts the rest of the African continent, and the greater geopolitical landscape, we’re joined by Eugene Puryear, an author, activist and host of The Freedom Side on Breakthrough News.

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