Africa, the next courtship or next conflict.

 AFRICA HAS BEEN TOLD THEY MUST TAKE SIDES

MOST AFRICANS NOW WANT TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES

The political situation in Africa has now taken a turn with the coup of the government in Niger. This coup is led by U.S. trained general Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has promised elections in the future. This is the 5th coup since the nations independence in 1960. It seems this is now considered some pivotal moment in the struggle for Africa's allegiance. 

France, the former ruler of Niger has evacuated all French nationals form the country. The U.S. has evacuated some of its embassy staff. The U.S. has just spent $100 million on a new Air force base staffed with 1000 American troops that is supposed to be a drone center for the fight against Islamic radicals.

African organizations have threatened to bring military action if the leader Mohamed Bazoom is not returned to power by August 6. The neighboring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged to support Niger in any military intervention. Someone now will lose face.

Much is made by the overthrow of an elected leader, but it is with some hypocrisy since this has been going on, often with the help of western powers, for decades.

There is a growing resentment against former colonial powers and also a growing option of trade and aid with China and Russia. Many Africans would like to be able to make choices that are in the best interest of their nation. Alignment with western nations has been clouded with strings that are not in their best interest. Often political and social pressure that does not align with their religious and cultural traditions. 

Then there was the murder and overthrow of  Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, who actually agreed to all the demands of the west and was still overthrown with NATO assistance. Gaddafi was popular in Africa because he provided much financial aid to other countries and also sought to organize some kind of African union. The other symbol of independent African union was Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated with help by the West. These issues have been festering and Russia and China offer alternatives that allow, at least for now, free political, economic, and social decisions.

This is all taking place when a BRICS meeting is going to take place in several weeks in South Africa. It will add another scene of drama to the already much anticipated meeting.

It will remain to be seen, if the EU, NATO and the U.S. are willing to intervene in these countries or are they now preoccupied with Ukraine, Russia and China and the accompanying economic and social issues at home.

It seems this is just one more area of approaching change that may not be able to be controlled by foreign powers.