Good day comrades. Those of you who watched news recently surely heard about a “coup” in the Republic of Niger. Apparently Westerners are very mad because I am hearing of the west cutting diplomatic ties and thinking of imposing sanctions.
Now, as you know, Western news sources are not reliable when it comes to the happenings in other countries - especially in those that are either not west-friendly or part of the Global South. My question is, can anybody here explain to me what exactly happened in the Republic of Niger and if possible, provide a Marxist estimate of the situation? Is the “coup” (I’ll use the term for now because of a lack of better knowledge about the situation) good or bad for the working class of the Republic of Niger? Is it good for the global working class movement? I have seen pictures of protestors waving the Russian flag and some Western media is already claiming this somehow benefits Russia. What is going on?
Thanks in advance.
@sinovictorchan
Instability is relative. Farming communities are partially insulated against the economic effects of a coup, some may even benefit as food prices have gone up and imports of certain goods have ceased. Other workers are not and there is much uncertainty whether the goods they produce can be exported and what the value of the national currency will be. This leads to layoffs and high prices of basic consumer goods.
There is also the possibility of greater oppression of certain ethnic minorities and of those who practice traditional religions as opposed to Islam. The coup leadership has not said they will do anything like that, but they are to the right of the previous government.