An overview of the proxy war between France and Russia occurring in Africa, briefly gaining world attention in July 2023.

• The proxy war in Africa has been overshadowed by major wars in Ukraine and Gaza but holds significant global implications.
• Global focus briefly turned to the African conflict in July 2023 due to a government overthrow in Niger.

An analysis of the series of coups in the Sahel region, leading to the term 'Coup Belt' and the rise of terrorism.

• Six successful coups in three years across Africa's Sahel region led to the term 'Coup Belt'.
• The Sahel has become a new epicenter for global terrorism with an increase in groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

Details on the escalation of civil war and terrorist control in the Sahel, including the impact on global terrorism statistics.

• Civil war in Sudan and terrorist control in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have escalated violence.
• Burkina Faso experienced a surge in terrorism-related deaths, becoming a focal point for global terrorism.

An exploration of the history and effects of French colonialism and neocolonialism in Africa, highlighting economic exploitation.

• France has a history of exploiting its former colonies in Africa, maintaining economic control through military presence and financial systems.
• The CFA Franc has been a tool for France to control the economies of its former colonies, affecting their export competitiveness.

A deep dive into the CFA Franc system and its impact on the economies of African countries tied to it.

• The CFA Franc, pegged to the French currency, has had negative impacts on African economies, benefiting France.
• African countries using the CFA Franc have experienced lower inflation but also lower economic growth and development compared to their neighbors.

The strategic importance of Niger's uranium reserves for France's energy strategy and the impacts on Niger's economy.

• Niger's uranium is vital for France's energy strategy, with French companies exploiting the resource.
• Despite uranium's significance for exports, little profit from mining has remained in Niger, impacting its GDP.

The Bongo family's long rule in Gabon facilitated by France, focusing on the exploitation of Gabon's oil resources.

• France's support of the Bongo family in Gabon ensured French access to oil resources at the expense of Gabon's development.
• The Bongo family's rule, marked by corruption and exploitation, ended with a coup in 2023.

The continued economic exploitation by France in its former colonies post-independence through the CFA Franc and political influence.

• France has maintained dominance in its former African colonies economically and politically post-independence.
• The CFA Franc has been a key tool for France to exploit these countries, leading to calls for monetary sovereignty and decolonization.

The shift in influence from France to Russia in the Sahel as anti-French sentiment leads to the entry of Russian mercenaries.

• Anti-French sentiment and coups in the Sahel have paved the way for Russian mercenaries to replace French troops.
• Russia's Wagner Group, now rebranded as the Africa Corps, is seen as an alternative to French influence.

The African response to French and Russian influence, including potential repercussions for the CFA Franc system.

• African nations are reevaluating their relationships with France and considering abandoning the CFA Franc.
• The establishment of the Alliance of Sahelian States signifies a regional effort to assert independence from historical French control.