Member-only story
What Lies Beneath
The coup in Niger
I must declare that I’m not an authority on this subject and this isn’t meant to be a primer on neo-colonialism or world trade. However I do believe its good to keep the true story of Europe in Africa alive as we observe an embryonic multi-polar world. I’ve entitled this ‘What lies beneath’ because what’s buried in the lake of history is so important. I need to give a shout out to Richard Medhurst for inspiring this article.
Niger
Niger is currently experiencing a coup as the presidential guard, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has detained President Mohamed Bazoum and established a military junta. Niger was a French colony until 1960 yet still has the CFA franc as its currency. One in three french light bulbs are lit by Nigerien Uranium yet over 80% of Nigeriens have no electricity supply. Uranium is Niger’s prime export yet accounts for less than 10% of its revenue.
We are getting the bleeding heart story from France and the West that a democratically elected government is being overthrown. Never mind that the elected regime is pro Western and currently entertaining US and French troops expelled from its neighbouring countries. It comforts me somewhat to not have to defend the rebels in order to make my point. Whatever motivations they have, I can pretty well guarantee that President Macron…
