Military coup in Niger.

[adam2]

Has been anounced on national TV. Has been widely expected after the military confined the leader to his home.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66320895

[adam2]

I very strongly suspect that this coup was instigated or arranged or supported by russia. Observe the number of russian flags being waved by coup supporters.

[BritDownUnder]

A good analysis of the events leading to the coup and Niger in general here.

Seems like this country has had them before and will have them again. Maybe they are expecting some free grain?

The Russian involvement is possible as Niger was previously a 'friend' of the West, a large gold and uranium exporter and allowed the US to have a drone base there. I expect the military will screw things up in a few years and there will be counter coup.

[adam2]

The leaders of the coup have closed the airspace of Niger https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66424858

[BritDownUnder]

Claims made in some media that the former President was a member of an Arab ethnic minority and that made him unpopular.

The protestors' ire seems to be aimed at France and not the UK thankfully. Given how the French have treated the UK in the past and how they have probably treated their former colonies, e.g. military presence, imposing French led currency system, and no doubt lots of internal political meddling, it compares poorly with what the UK has done with the Commonwealth, I am not surprised they are protesting about them. However, I think the Niger people will tire of Russia and China in the end and then it will get nasty.

[BritDownUnder]

Looks like President Bongo of Gabon has been overthrown. Is France's Africa policy in tatters? Or just a palace coup?

[Mark]

It's reported that for the last 60 years, France has been paying Niger less than €1/Kg for Uranium, compared to the normal market price of approx. €200/Kg.... Apparently Niger has now corrected the price for France...

So...., France has been taking Uranium for free....
And to top it off, French companies that mine uranium in Niger haven't been paying taxes in Niger....

I guess the price of French nuclear power is set to rise.....

[clv101]

Just the regular continuation of colonial exploitation. Even at $200/kg, the U is still a minor cost input to nuclear power, doesn't change the economics.

[clv101]

Lots of numbers here: https://www.ft.com/content/de05a4a2-245 ... d0e079e9cd

[Vortex2]

French bumper sticker:

"Que fait notre uranium sous leur terre ?"