In Episode 186 [23] of the CounterVortex podcast [24], Bill Weinberg examines the coup d'etat in Niger [25], which now threatens to plunge West Africa into regional war—with potential for escalation involving the Great Powers. Lines are drawn, with the Western-backed ECOWAS demanding the junta cede power, and Russian-backed Mali and Burkina Faso backing the junta up. Pro-junta demonstrators in Niger's capital, Niamey, wave the Russian flag [26]—probably to express displeasure at US [27] and French neo-colonialism [28]. The Wagner Group, which already has troops in Mali and Burkina Faso, has expressed its support for the junta, and offered fighters [25] to help stabilize the regime. Elements of the tankie [29] pseudo-left in the West are similarly rallying around the junta [30]. Amid this, leaders of the Tuareg resistance [31] in Niger have returned to arms [32] to resist the new regime, and the country's mine workers union is also demanding a return to democratic rule [33]. Listen on SoundCloud [23] or via Patreon [34].
Music: "Super Powers [36]" by Alpha Blondy [37]
Production by Chris Rywalt [38]
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