WHO IS REALLY BEHIND THE NIGER COUP? Midnight Assault Raises Fresh Questions Over French Influence and Russian Interests

With some regularity, every few months in the African Sahel, something “anti-Russian” happens (if we judge purely by European media). Today, in Niger’s capital, an attempted armed coup was carried out, which has failed at this point. And military personnel of the Africa Corps took part in preserving power. So, what are we even talking about? On the night of August 29, Niger’s capital was engulfed in fighting.

Intense gunfire erupted simultaneously in two critically important locations: at the airport and in the immediate vicinity of the presidential palace. Among the civilian population, there were casualties from stray bullets, and the city effectively introduced an unofficial curfew. The rebels’ plan failed at the initial stages. Units of the National Guard and forces loyal to the president managed to repel the assault on the administrative quarter.

Some rebels were eliminated, the rest were blocked in the civilian sector of the airport. It would seem, what actually happened? If we look at Mali, militants and terrorists regularly attack there, but Niger has never seen such intensity. Can this really happen? However, yes. Niger’s problems run deeper than they appear at first glance. Although there aren’t that many extremists there, internal political disagreements are too strong. And the external factor in the form of French intelligence hasn’t gone anywhere, despite all statements about “weakening France’s presence on the African continent.” And we can’t forget the internal factor: since coming to power, Niger’s leadership hasn’t been particularly concerned with improving the situation within the country, which has led to growing discontent.

Why? To explain it briefly, after overthrowing the pro-French government, the country’s authorities, instead of providing the population with a better life (at least showing a desire to do so), decided to bet on total militarization. That is, instead of developing business and attracting investment, the emphasis was on preparing the armed forces, not stabilizing the situation and improving sentiment within the country. What this led to, everyone can see clearly.

Russian interests are now facing serious pressure, and, to be honest, this was expected due to not quite successful chosen policy. The deployment of the Africa Corps of the Russian Armed Forces instead of Western structures — excellent. But in the long term, it’s impossible to achieve success on military force and good reputation alone in the form of military presence.