This guy is an ignorant idiot. Now I understand why a lot of Africans think Nigerians are c00ns cos this muppet exemplifies it.
Africa’s problems aren’t as facile as he’s making it out to be - there are different layers of complexities involved as well. I think they need to make it compulsory for all Africans to study African history, at least starting from the Berlin Conference in 1878 (if they’re not interested in the ancient & medieval history of Africa). That would give a lot of Africans a perspective about the plights of the continent & an understanding of a lot of things. Not saying they should become Pan-Africanists (I’m also not a fan of Pan-Africanism cos the continent is too diverse for that utopia & Pan-Africanism has historically caused more problems than it has solved on the continent) but having a grasp of history will help people understand the sacrifices they would’ve to make to break free from the shackles of colonialism regardless whatever clothes it decides to wear.
Granted I understand his fear about the coup wave getting to Nigeria & how historically terrible military rule has been in Nigeria. But I don’t think it will get to Naija.
Also, military intervention in Niger by Nigeria won’t solve the problem & it will only end up creating more problems in Nigeria & might end fostering the Nigerian military he & his ilk are scared of. Niamey (the capital of Niger) is an ancient & Niger itself is basically an Hausa country since they’re the overwhelming majority of the country. And when you add the other Northern Nigerian ethnic groups like Fulani & Kanuri to the equation - Niger is basically Northern Nigeria 2.0 with some Tuareg/Berber twist. So, you can’t invade the country & start killing the people without Nigerian Hausa/Fulani/Kanuri feeling some type of way since they’re the same people. And it will eventually escalate to Nigeria.
I don’t understand why people can’t see the ethnic dimension in all the coups that are happening in West Africa. Yes, there are anti-colonial sentiments but there are also ethnic sentiments since both go hand in hand in the complexities of African problems.
It’s too early to judge all the putschists (I’m still observing as well) but Mali & Burkina Faso have started well by gradually destroying the colonial agreements. And the Burkina Faso nikka has appointed one of Thomas Sankara’s closest associates to handle the economy. If they can execute - that would be a good foundation to build on. Things won’t be rosy at the start & for a while but it will improve their fortunes long term.