Summary:
- Demonstrators in Niger celebrate a recent coup, leading to a complex geopolitical scenario involving Russia, the West, and neighboring countries.
- The overthrown president was a crucial Western ally in countering extremism in the Sahel, while military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso, aligned with Moscow, support the coup leaders.
- Divisions deepen as Western capitals decrease aid to Niger to prevent potential Moscow ties, underscoring the intricate balance between global interests and regional stability.
Demonstrators in Niger have been flying the Russian flag all over the capital as they celebrated a recent coup, which has caused division among global powers and neighboring countries. The coup has raised concerns about the fight against extremism and regional stability.
Niger, located in the Sahel region, has faced threats from Islamist militants, and its overthrown president was a crucial Western ally in counterterrorism efforts. Leaders from West African states have threatened to use force to reinstate the president, citing increased insecurity. However, military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso, who came to power through their own coups and are aligned with Moscow, support the coup leaders. This situation has triggered a geopolitical struggle involving Russia, the West, and regional powers.
As divisions deepen, Western capitals are reducing aid to Niger, fearing that the country's destabilization could drive it closer to Moscow. The coup has highlighted the delicate balance between global interests and regional stability in Africa.