The Intelligence from The Economist Putsched out: Niger’s coup d’état
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Jul 31, 2023 
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Niger's recent coup, detailing the military's takeover and its implications for international relations, particularly with the West and Russia. He discusses the precarious socio-political environment and public reactions post-coup. Additionally, the conversation shifts to London's air quality challenges and the contentious Ultra-Low Emission Zone rollout. Finally, they explore groundbreaking research from Crawford Lake, highlighting humanity's significant geological footprint and the debate over the Anthropocene epoch.
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Niger Coup
- Niger's coup threatens West African stability, jeopardizing the region's last Western ally.
- The coup leader, General Abdurrahman Chiani, claims to be saving the nation, but his actions may worsen the existing jihadist insurgency.
Coup Justification
- General Chiani's justification for the coup, citing security and economic troubles, lacks merit.
- President Bazoum's counter-terrorism approach had shown positive results, making personal power struggles a more likely motive.
Regional Coups
- Similar coups in Mali and Burkina Faso led to the expulsion of French forces and, in Mali's case, the enlistment of Wagner mercenaries.
- Niger's coup follows a concerning regional trend, raising worries about further destabilization and Russian influence.