Kinley Salmon, The Economist's Africa correspondent, delves into the recent coup in Niger, examining the motivations behind it and its repercussions for Western foreign policy and regional stability. He discusses Niger's precarious position amidst escalating violence and international pressures. The conversation also touches on the UK’s heated debate over expanding the ultra-low emission zone and its electoral impacts, alongside an intriguing exploration of humanity’s geological footprint as we enter the Anthropocene epoch.
Niger's coup d'état could undermine the fight against poverty, violence, and jihadist insurgency in the region.
The controversy surrounding London's ultra-low emission zone policy underscores the urgency to address air pollution.
Deep dives
Niger's political crisis threatens stability in West Africa
Niger is facing a political crisis after the democratically elected president was shot and military officers declared a new head of state. The power gap and dissolution of institutions have raised concerns both regionally and internationally, with threats of sanctions and aid cuts. The coup could destabilize the entire West African region, as Niger has been a key Western ally in the fight against poverty, violence, and jihadist insurgency.
London's battle against air pollution faces political resistance
London continues to struggle with high levels of air pollution, causing thousands of deaths each year. Mayor Sadiq Khan proposed extending the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) to the entire city, but the policy has faced backlash. Critics argue that it has been rushed and disproportionately affects car-dependent areas. The controversy surrounding the ULEZ policy has become increasingly politicized, with the Conservatives using it as a way to attack the Labour Party. However, the need to address air pollution remains essential.
Evidence suggests the arrival of the Anthropocene
Geologists have been searching for evidence to support the start of a new epoch called the Anthropocene, characterized by the impact of human activity on the planet. Recently, a collapsed limestone cave in Canada's Crawford Lake has been identified as a potential marker for the Anthropocene. The lake's sediments contain layers that provide a year-by-year account of humanity's impact, including pollen from indigenous farming, soot from European colonization, and a significant increase in plutonium after 1945. However, further discussions and approvals are required before the Anthropocene is officially recognized.
Following years of military takeovers in the region, Niger is the West’s last solid ally in the Sahel. But with this coup, and growing alignment with Russia, these relations are in jeopardy. Why is a policy to decongest London proving such a politically divisive issue (10:49)? And, a deep dive into a Canadian lake shows that humanity may be entering a new epoch (17:01).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer