The UN chief has called it an epidemic of coups. In Africa, since 2020, military officers have seized power, or attempted to do so, in numerous sub-Saharan countries. Just in the last two and a half months, soldiers in Gabon announced a takeover of power, while in Niger, members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum and announced that they were seizing power. Supporters of the new regime in Niger waved Russian flags, as did some of those who supported the coup in Mali in 2021. The sight of those flags has been a punch in the gut for France, which until recently regarded its former colonies as close allies. But the pro-Russian sentiment has also worried the European Union. What explains this pro-Russia feeling? And is there much the EU can do about it?
Produced by Isabelle Romero, Sophie Samaille and Perrine Desplats
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