Economist Podcasts The French disconnection: a retreat from Niger
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Sep 26, 2023 
Sophie Petters, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Matthew Simmons, a defense writer, delve into France's withdrawal from Niger amidst rising anti-French sentiment and shifting geopolitical landscapes. They discuss the implications of President Macron’s decision to pull back military presence and its effects on France's relations in Africa. The conversation also explores the evolving global arms market influenced by recent events, and touches on the clash between traditional boxing and the rise of internet influencers in the sport.
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French Disconnection from Niger
- France's military presence in Niger is ending after the coup.
- This marks a significant shift in French-African relations.
Anti-French Sentiment in Niger
- The coup leaders wanted France to leave, and Nigerien citizens protested against French presence.
- This signals a broader anti-French sentiment in the Sahel region.
Shifting Perceptions of French Intervention
- In 2013, Mali invited French troops to protect its capital from jihadists.
- Initially popular, French presence is now viewed negatively due to ineffective counterterrorism and Russian propaganda.