Niger Coup: Shifting Sentiments towards Russia Amid Anti-French Protests

By

Feature Image

Summary:

  • Coup supporters in Niger have shifted from anti-French sentiment to pro-Russia messaging, reflecting a desire for enhanced counterterrorism efforts.
  • Symbolic gestures, including targeting the French embassy and displaying Russian flags, highlight growing public preference for Russian influence.
  • Niger's security concerns, arising from the presence of multiple terrorist groups, contribute to the appeal of foreign assistance, including Russian involvement.
  • Historical resentment towards French colonialism and perceived economic disparities fuel anti-French sentiment in Niger.
  • Support for the junta is divided between the capital and other regions, revealing varying levels of acceptance and opposition.


Amidst ongoing political turmoil, thousands of coup supporters have flooded the streets of Niger's capital, raising Russian flags and expressing anti-French sentiments. This shift in public opinion marks a significant development in the aftermath of President Mohammed Bazoum's overthrow.




Pro-Russia Messaging and Anti-French Sentiment


In a surprising turn of events, some coup supporters have transitioned from anti-French sentiment to pro-Russia messaging. The discontent with France's historical role in Niger has led to a newfound belief that Russian forces could play a pivotal role in enhancing the country's counterterrorism efforts.



Symbolic Gestures against France and Emboldening Russia


During the recent demonstrations, crowds of supporters targeted the French embassy, attacking its premises and even replacing the French flag with Russian ones. This symbolic gesture reflects a growing desire for Russia's involvement in Niger's affairs, seen by some as a preferable alternative to French influence.



Security Concerns and Counterterrorism Cooperation


The perceived benefits of Russian involvement lie in the potential for bolstering Niger's fight against terrorism. With various terrorist groups operating in and around Niger, including Boko Haram, Islamic State, and Al-Qaeda affiliates, the country's security remains a paramount concern.



Historical Resentment and Economic Disparities


Historical resentment stemming from French colonial rule has contributed to the current anti-French sentiment. Comparisons between countries colonized by different powers highlight economic disparities, leading to a perception that France has exploited Niger's resources without commensurate development.



Divided Support for the Junta


Support for the junta, which orchestrated President Bazoum's ousting, is divided between the capital and other regions. While the capital, Niamey, sees significant junta support, other regions express mixed feelings or direct opposition, often met with military response.


The evolving sentiments in Niger, with a shift from anti-French to pro-Russia messaging among coup supporters, reveal a complex geopolitical landscape. As the nation grapples with its political future and security challenges, the role of foreign powers and historical legacies continues to shape its trajectory.

Location: London, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ukraine War: Is the defence of Bakhmut a distraction?

By
Image
Ukraine War: Is the defence of Bakhmut a distraction? I'm joined now by the former senior military intelligence officer, Philip Ingram. Good to see you again, Philip. Now, of course, Russian forces have made some advances in recent days in Bakhmut, but on the whole, there's been very little movement on the front line in recent weeks and months. Why is that? Yeah, well, exactly. Day 374 of Vladimir Putin's 10-day Special Military Operation. And the Russians, we keep talking about this spring offensive. They're probing the front lines in different places. Bakhmut will more detail that in a moment, but further north, up around Kramina and in the south, around Donetsk, they're trying to see where their weakness is in the Ukrainian defences. And they're not really finding any. The things that are influencing at the moment, the weather, the ground is softening up. ...
Read more

Why the world was wrong about Putin | Analysis

By
Image
Why the world was wrong about Putin | Analysis People are packing up in their cars. They're getting out of here. A few days before I found myself standing there on the edge of Kharkiv, watching those first tank shells hit into the apartment blocks in Saltyvka, my editor, Louis Emmanuel, had asked me to come up with something to be published on the day of the war, if the war began, explaining to readers why this was happening. And I was hoping it would never be published. It was, and the answer I came up with was, probably in the simple balance of power. I quote it, Russia's military is at its strongest and most capable since the Cold War. Its public finances are also in good order, and Mr Putin may believe he is well placed to bear the costs of the conflict and inevitable sanctions. We'll come back to that in a second. The West is conversely at a moment of historic econo...
Read more

Ukraine War: What missiles have Russia fired?

By
Image
Ukraine War: What missiles have Russia fired? I mean, he caveated his remarks so that he wasn't departing from the official government line, which is that Ukraine makes the calls here when Ukraine's ready, then Ukraine may negotiate. But the fact that he, that comment we were taking out of context, and people will say that Rishi Sunak believes that there has to be a negotiation at, so at what point are we going to lean on the Ukrainians to negotiate? And I think that in Kiev, I think it won't be very, they won't welcome the fact that he said it. It's also, it's just not true that all wars end at the negotiating table. It's a line we've heard from the beginning, right from the start. People should read a book occasionally. The Second World War did not end in negotiation. One of yours perhaps. Yes. The First World War did not end in a meaningful negotia...
Read more