Economist Podcasts Putsched out: Niger’s coup d’état
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Jul 31, 2023 
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.
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Niger Coup Threatens Regional Stability
- Niger's coup, led by General Abdurrahman Chiani, threatens West African stability.
- The coup may worsen the existing jihadist insurgency and destabilize the region.
Regional Trend of Coups and Scapegoating
- Coups in the Sahel region often involve scapegoating and pushing out Western forces.
- This trend raises concerns about increasing Russian influence, as seen with the Wagner Group in Mali.
Anti-French Sentiment in Niger
- Following the coup, protests occurred outside the French embassy in Niamey.
- The junta falsely accused the former foreign minister of authorizing French airstrikes to rally support.