The West's Responsibility in Niger's Crisis

The recent wave of military coups in West Africa, including Niger, is driven by socioeconomic despair and the long-standing crisis of endemic poverty caused by neocolonial frameworks. Crushing external debt, which forces the sale of resources and undermines economic autonomy, is identified as the biggest problem faced by West African governments. The coup in Niger threatens Western energy plans and geopolitical interests, particularly France's control over Niger's uranium reserves. The resentment towards France and the desire for new trading partners, such as Russia, contribute to the anger and protests in Niger. The historical continuum from colonialism to neocolonialism fuels this righteous anger and desire for change.