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Economist Podcasts

Gun-shy: why Niger’s coup stands, for now

Aug 18, 2023
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Niger's recent coup, discussing the military junta's resilience against international pressure. He highlights the hesitance of ECOWAS to intervene militarily, pointing to regional divisions and growing local dissent. Salmon also touches on the troubling economic situation in Russia, detailing how the plummeting rouble affects both military funding and everyday life, adding a complex layer to global stability. The conversation offers insight into the intertwined fate of nations and their economies.
23:54

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Quick takeaways

  • Military intervention in Niger after the coup is uncertain due to opposition from West African countries and doubts within the African Union.
  • The decline in the value of the Russian ruble poses challenges for President Putin, as sanctions and imports impact the economy and restrict options for boosting the currency.

Deep dives

Niger's ongoing political crisis

After the military coup in Niger, the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum remains essentially a hostage. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been discussing potential military intervention, but there are doubts and opposition among West African countries and even the African Union about sending troops to Niger.

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