World War Africa

[Belsnickel]

It's interesting how this hasn't been brought up in here, but it is something I have been following. If you weren't aware, there is a situation ongoing in western Africa that has some global implications. Obviously it is very complex with much history behind it, but the tl;dr version is that a military junta has ousted the democratically elected leader of Niger. This has prompted a response from the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

ECOWAS and the UN are demanding the junta reinstate the democratic leader and the US and France have condemned the actions of the junta. ECOWAS has stated that they have a D-day set where if the president is not reinstated they will undertake military intervention. Almost all active ECOWAS members have pledged military support to the effort, meanwhile there are two other juntas that have threatened to come in on the side of Niger's junta if that does happen.

The junta, FWIW, has proposed a three year transition period and that it is not their intention to hold power. I am skeptical of this, personally, as military coups tend to start off with someone saying that but they become increasingly reluctant to give way for democracy.

[GMDino]

(08-20-2023, 10:40 AM)Belsnickel Wrote: It's interesting how this hasn't been brought up in here, but it is something I have been following. If you weren't aware, there is a situation ongoing in western Africa that has some global implications. Obviously it is very complex with much history behind it, but the tl;dr version is that a military junta has ousted the democratically elected leader of Niger. This has prompted a response from the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

ECOWAS and the UN are demanding the junta reinstate the democratic leader and the US and France have condemned the actions of the junta. ECOWAS has stated that they have a D-day set where if the president is not reinstated they will undertake military intervention. Almost all active ECOWAS members have pledged military support to the effort, meanwhile there are two other juntas that have threatened to come in on the side of Niger's junta if that does happen.

The junta, FWIW, has proposed a three year transition period and that it is not their intention to hold power. I am skeptical of this, personally, as military coups tend to start off with someone saying that but they become increasingly reluctant to give way for democracy.

I was only vaguely aware of the ousting because of a couple videos I saw on X.  I'm not as well informed on Africa's situation in general (that's on me) and so didn't realize it had escalated so much!

Thank you!

[NATI BENGALS]

I read yesterday France and the US are at odds because France supports the ECOWAS intervention while the US is looking for a diplomatic solution.

Not surprised there is shit getting stirred up in Africa. Isn't that where the Wagner Mercenary group leader said they were going for new adventures? We really need to start knocking them guys off.

And wtf is a junta

[Belsnickel]

(08-20-2023, 11:44 AM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: I read yesterday France and the US are at odds because France supports the ECOWAS intervention while the US is looking for a diplomatic solution.


And wtf is a junta

That is an interest difference in foreign relations approaches. It almost reminds you of pre-20th century views.

A junta is a group, typically military, that takes control of a country after gaining it by force.