Written by Michael Thervil
What many people around the world are starting to ask is: “Is France really done with their colonization of Niger?”. For now, it seems like a yes, but remember geopolitics is always fluid, never static. For some reason, many think that France may not be done with either Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso as of yet but will instead reengage them at another time and date. There has never been a time in history that a country has ever given up its national interest without a fight that typically ends up in either economic crisis and or bloodshed. Like the rest of the world, we at VEDA Magazine will have to wait and see what France's next move will be – if there is one when it comes to these three African nations.
Currently, it seems as if Niger has set a precipice of what a successful military coup should look like. And with that, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have left the world wondering if other African nations could be just as inspired to follow suit when it comes to their colonizers. If so, then that would bring about a major game changer for the rest of the world. Keep in mind that Africa as a continent is a country that is exceptionally rich in natural resources. It’s just that people all over the world wonder if the leadership in countries such as Niger have the ability to not only govern themselves, but have the ability to conduct business on the world stage without getting played, exploited or falling into the hands of terrorist, or falling to the grips of political corruption as they have been so many times before after a coup has occurred.
Moreover, people are wondering what will become of Mohamed Bazoum, the previous president of Niger. For now, it seems as if French President Emmanuel Macron has turned his back on him and left him to the will of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who is currently presiding over Niger. Another question that many are asking is: “what is the long-term strategic goal of the Junta who are currently in charge of Mali?” Can both African nations maintain socio-economic control of their prospective countries? It should be noted that even though France has decided to pull out of Niger, there is now talk amongst the Junta that it’s time for the American soldiers to leave Niger as well. Again, can these three countries sustain order without the intervention of France and America?
Currently, there are a lot of young adults in these three countries that don’t have access to employment opportunities. Given the historical record of youth violence in the region; young adults that can’t obtain employment are more susceptible to joining terrorist groups and engaging in other forms of destructive behavior. Currently, both France and America have been conducting anti-terror operations within these three countries and through the Sahel. Granted the Junta are tough on combating terror organizations but how effective are they when left to their own devices and for how long. There is a laundry list of questions people all over the world are asking but again People around the world can’t ask this question enough: “What are the long-term goals of Niger?”. Well, the world has more questions than answers as it seems that only time can and will tell. But the one thing that we are betting on is that France is not done with Niger, Mali, or Burkina Faso yet.
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