Days after the democratically elected president of Niger was deposed in a military coup, thousands of supporters of the takeover thronged the French embassy in the nation’s capital to deliver an unmistakable message to their former colonial power and its Western allies. The coup led to tense scenes with pro-coup Nigeriens, some waving Russian flags, chanting slogans like “long live Putin” and “down with France” as they tore down a plaque at the embassy. This display of anti-Western sentiment reverberated through the halls of power in Paris, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to threaten retaliation against any attacks on French nationals and denounce the coup as “completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger, and the whole region.”
The coup in Niger is part of a larger trend of military takeovers across Africa, and it occurs in the context of a growing struggle for influence between the West and Russia in the continent. Experts point to a rising tide of anger in former French colonies, which has created an opportunity for the Kremlin. While there is no evidence of Russia’s direct involvement in the Niger rebellion, the Russian mercenary group Wagner, known for supporting military juntas, could capitalize on anti-Western sentiments in the region. Western countries, particularly France and the United States, have been deprived of a key ally in the fight against Islamist jihadists, as Niger was considered a democratic success story in the troubled Sahel region.
Apart from its strategic importance in the fight against terrorism, Niger also plays a vital role as a supplier of uranium to the European Union, contributing around 5% of the world’s uranium supply. This situation makes the country’s political instability a matter of global concern, and international players are closely monitoring the developments to assess the implications for regional stability and their own interests in Africa.
Niger, despite its abundant resources, remains one of the world’s poorest countries, and many Nigeriens, especially the younger generation, blame France for their prevailing poverty. A growing anti-French sentiment is spreading across former French colonies in West and Central Africa, fueled by the historical relationship known as “Françafrique,” criticized for perpetuating neo-colonial practices. The use of the Central African franc (CFA) currency has also sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a means for France to exert control over these nations’ economies.
Amidst the anger against France, Russia sees an opportunity to extend its influence in Africa, as Western intelligence services grow concerned about Russia’s intensified efforts on the continent. The Russian mercenary group Wagner has played a central role in bolstering Russia’s clout in Africa, with allegations of atrocities committed against civilians in Mali and Sudan, among other African countries. Founder Prigozhin linked Niger’s coup to the legacy of colonialism, emphasizing his group’s ability to handle such situations.
As the coup unfolded in Niger, Russian President Vladimir Putin was hosting an African summit in St. Petersburg, promoting a charm offensive while criticizing Western colonialism and offering gifts to African leaders. However, the summit’s turnout was lower than expected, possibly influenced by Russia’s recent cancellation of a Ukrainian grain export deal, which affected food supplies on the continent. Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traore, who came to power in a coup last October, expressed his country’s complete distancing from France and pledged support to Russia.
In the midst of this geopolitical struggle for Africa, military leaders in certain countries are leveraging anti-French sentiments to stay in power, presenting themselves as champions of change and sovereignty. Paris faces the challenge of rebuilding and repairing its relationship with Francophone countries, as multiple nations, including China, the US, and Russia, seek to strengthen their trade relations with Africa in the third wave of a “scramble for Africa.”
