Niger, in west Africa, has suffered its fifth coup in just over six decades of independence. This one could have repercussions far beyond its borders – not least because Africa, not the Middle East, is now the centre of global jihad. And while there is no sign of Moscow’s hand in the coup, it has been welcomed by the Wagner group and could help Putin get his claws into this uranium-rich country. So what does all this mean for the competition between world powers, not to mention our day-to-day safety?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. 

Guest: Richard Assheton, West Africa correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips: BBC, CNN, Euronews, DW News, Al Jazeera, France 24, US Africa Command, TV News Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, Telegram.

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