French Invasion of Niger could Turn into an "All-out Franco-African war"? - Global Research
Global ResearchAPR 2023
Niger is the last stronghold of democratic pluralism and the rule of law in the Sahel. If Niger follows in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso in being ruled by an autocratic junta, it would further destabilize the entire region and impact the world. Not only could Russia's notorious Wagner mercenaries capitalize on this opportunity, but Islamist extremists will also take advantage of the political instability. ECOWAS and the international community must restore the country's democratically elected government and constitutional order.
ECOWAS' deadline has expired, but the bloc of West African states should think twice before using force and making itself a tool of Western, especially French, neocolonial interests in resource-rich Niger. France no longer has the military presence and influence to project sufficient power and intervene effectively. The country faces a geopolitical dilemma as a result, because whether it pushes for a military invasion of Niger or not, Paris faces the inevitable collapse of its neocolonial system in the region.