Nigerois kiss the French goodbye?

In the vast region of Africa, a tempest rages, and the impish factors from far-off lands are causing havoc once again. The mischievous Europeans swing around with carefree abandon, but their play has turned sour. Like bad kids on the playground, they come, act as tyrants, and leave them in disarray.

The recent turmoil in Niger, with its third coup in as many years, adds to the chaos. As the European nations impose sanctions on the new military leaders, fingers point at the former colonial ruler, France, accused of plotting military intervention. The region’s dynamics shift further with the unexpected appearance of Russia’s Wagner Group, raising eyebrows and complicating matters.

The region has become a battleground for proxy wars yet again. Western powers and Russia are vying for influence, using the region’s vulnerabilities to advance their interests and deter rivals. The region’s wealth in Uranium adds another layer of intrigue.

France’s hidden and exposed motives, seeking to capitalise on the Uranium abundance for its nuclear reactors for decades, is also a major factor when it comes to Niger. The region has become a labyrinth of intertwined interests, neo-colonial ambitions and resource exploitation.

The region’s history is etched with the footprints of colonial powers, whose influence shaped the present-day struggles. Once the ringleader of colonial adventures, Europe carved up the region with little regard for the people who called it home. Niger, like many of its neighbours, struggled to break free from the chains of colonialism. The legacy of colonial rule left deep scars, affecting its political, social and economic fabric.

The French are not going to back off easily even today. France has expressed support for the African regional bloc’s endeavours to prevent the coup in Niger as the deadline for the new military junta to step down or potentially face military intervention draws near but it is not in their favour.

Now, enter the Wagner Group, an unexpected interloper in the region’s unfolding drama as the French prepare to pack their bags. There is support for the Russians, however, even Russia’s presence raised concerns and suspicions among Africans and the international community. What are their true intentions? Are they here to protect the region or merely exploit its vulnerabilities for their gain?

The answer remains elusive, buried beneath layers of geopolitical manoeuvring and resource interests. The abundance of uranium, a precious resource, attracted the gaze of both France and Russia. As France sought to bolster its nuclear reactors, Russia saw an opportunity to expand its influence on the global stage, leveraging the region.

The Africans, however, have had enough, and as the region sunsets, a glimmer of hope also emerges. The international community recognised the situation’s urgency and rallied around diplomatic efforts.

The path to lasting peace and development in the region would be challenging. The challenges are complex, and the interests at stake are substantial.

The Africans take cautious steps as the new dawn baths the region in light of neo-colonialism. They understand that they hold the power to shape their destiny, to reclaim their lands from the shadows of colonialism and the games of power.

And so, the region of Africa is to embark on a journey towards a better, if not a brighter, future. The region’s dynamics are still being written, with each state playing a part in the narrative of hope and resilience. But, the African region has had enough — it would no longer be a stage for the Europeans and their games of power. Instead, it would be a testament to its people’s enduring spirit and collective pursuit of peace and prosperity as the geopolitical shift in the region happens.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2023.

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