NIGER'S FRENCH EMBASSY IN THE DARK

The French embassy in Niamey is without electricity and water after the Nigerien coup leadership cut off access. The action comes after a deadline for the French ambassador to leave expired - with France insisting he’s staying put. The country’s new authorities say he failed to comply with a summons and has been engaging in activities contrary to Nigerien interests. Paris condemns the coup that took place a month back. It calls for the reinstatement of Western ally Mohamed Bazoum as president and backs ECOWAS efforts to achieve that goal. The West African bloc has threatened the use of force to make it happen. The CNSP, the ruling military government, has been consolidating its position, and seems to enjoy strong grassroots support.

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Continued - NIGER'S FRENCH EMBASSY IN THE DARK

The coup has taken on an anti-French character. Rallies and protests calling for the ex-coloniser’s departure are commonplace. It’s symptomatic of a wider geopolitical split from France in the Sahel, with Burkina Faso and Mali already having sent home French troops, media and ambassadors.

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AKON: CHINA'S BUILT MORE IN AFRICA THAN EUROPE EVER DID!

Akon's latest track might not be chart-topping, but it's definitely hitting the high notes on China's role in Africa's growth. From 'Smack That' to smack dab in the middle of geopolitical commentary. Laying down more than just beats - but also a perspective that’s opening eyes and stirring conversations globally.

Akon’s transition from rap lines to developmental outlines is as smooth as his melodies, proving that he can hit more than just musical notes. The 'Lonely' singer seems to be far from alone in his views. As he amplifies the impact of China’s involvement in Africa as well as the consequences of colonialism, the echoes are resonating with many who’ve observed the dichotomy first hand.

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DOLLAR IS JUST PAPER

BRICS is pushing for its members to trade in their local currencies and move away from the dollar.

But some argue debt-based fiat currencies should be ditched altogether in favour of something backed by gold. That way, what you have in your pocket keeps its value over time.

The US dollar used to be pegged to the precious metal, before President Nixon ’temporarily’ removed it in 1971. Since then, the US has been able to print the world’s reserve currency until its heart’s content. And that’s given it immense power.

However, it also means over time the dollar’s value will plummet - albeit at a slower pace than other fiat currencies.

So, what to do?

Here’s Zimbabwean-born motivational speaker, Joshua Maponga, explaining why, for him, gold is the answer.

Can it really work?

Give us your thoughts.

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‘WE ARE SO PAINED’ COST-OF-LIVING HURTING NIGERIANS

The biggest economy of Africa is struggling, big time! Nigeria is suffering from a foreign exchange shortage, as well as exuberant food, rent and fuel prices. The consumer index rose to an annual 24.1% in July, the highest rate in 18 years, leading to the free fall of the naira. Labour unions are protesting and people are on the brink. One man told us, “Pathetic, a difficult situation at a time when people need help. Nigeria needs help.” Here’s our exclusive report from the continent’s most populated city.

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ERITREA: WEST PURSUES PERILOUS PATH

Western attempts to maintain a unipolar world have led to endless global conflicts. But there’s growing global resistance to what’s happening.

That was the message from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at the BRICS summit this week.

He warns the latest escalating conflict in Ukraine is “fraught with consequences to ghastly to contemplate”. And says opportunity for global progress for all is repeatedly thwarted by America’s hegemonic interests.

Mr Afwerki calls for a fairer world order and believes alliances like BRICS could help achieve it.

It’s a rousing speech.

Give us your thoughts on what he said.

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NIGERIENS DEMAND FRENCH TROOPS LEAVE COUNTRY

Thousands gathered in Niamey on Saturday for another protest outside the French military base. They are demanding that the troops stationed there leave within 10 days - with some vowing to storm the base if they don’t. Emotions are running high, with protesters saying they’re ready to die for their country.

But Paris is adamant that it’s not budging. It does not recognise the legitimacy of the coup or of General Tchiani's administration. It wants to see West-friendly President Bazoum back in post and backs efforts by ECOWAS to have him reinstated. The West African bloc has vowed military action if he isn’t.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have formalised a mutual defence agreement.

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AFRICAN SISTER PUTS MACRON IN HIS PLACE

The recent events in Niger are another sign that France's neo-colonial project in Africa is crumbling at an unprecedented rate. It might have come as a surprise to some but for those familiar with France's imperial policies in the region, the signs have always been there. Watch the moment a young African woman stands up to the president of France. Kenyan activist Adelle Onyango went viral at the end of 2021 with a passionate address, confronting Emmanuel Macron - who was present - with some hard truths. It’s well worth another watch. She says until the ex-colonial power acknowledges the pain it has inflicted and made genuine amends, there can be no healing and no trust. It’s a beautiful moment, but going by his response to the events in Niger, it looks like Macron is either in denial or is yet to smell the coffee.

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BRIC BY BRIC WEST DECLINES

Last week’s BRICS summit in South Africa was momentous.

It announced six new members and now represents almost half the world’s population.

But there’s more to it than just economic interests. Here, African Stream CEO Ahmed Kaballo sits down with independent media The Grayzone to unpack the significance of what’s happening.

Along with Max Blumenthal, Anya Parampil and Wyatt Reed, they assess how we got here.

They also look at what’s to come for Africa and other developing parts of the world currently under the boot of Western hegemony.

A once-in-a-generation realignment is taking shape, involving everything from global supply chains to the interconnection of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Saudi’s Vision 2030, UAE port expansions and security guarantees among member states.

The goal is to move away from Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank. It’s about re-establishing the sovereignty of countries and multilateral cooperation for mutual benefits.

Have a listen and give us your thoughts on how BRICS could shape the future. African Stream is fast becoming the de facto #1 Pan-African digital platform with an anti-imperialist angle.

Be part of this global conversation by sharing your comments with us!

Watch full interview on: https://youtu.be/8Hz1SbaAiQE

NIGERIANS SUE SHELL

Niger Delta communities are suing energy giant Shell at London's High Court. Thousands of locals are demanding compensation after decades of environmental destruction caused by oil spills.

But the multinational refuses to accept responsibility and blames criminal gangs for the damage. Shell oil company insists that the case was brought about too late and is asking the High Court to review it in 2024. Shell's efforts to delay judgement may postpone a final verdict until the year 2029.

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X: BRAVERY IS BLADES VS BOMBS

There’s nothing brave about using tanks and bombs to get your way. True bravery is about having the courage to resist - even when massively outgunned. It’s a quality demonstrated amply in Africa and Asia. Listen to Malcolm X explain why guerrilla tactics have disabused white supremacists of their faith in their own invincibility.

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Nigeriens Besiege French Sites

Thousands of Nigeriens have surrounded the French embassy and military base in Niger to protest the French ambassador's refusal to leave the country.

This comes after Niger’s military administration cut off water and electricity to the French Embassy in Niamey's capital, with no food deliveries allowed.

The country’s leadership has also taken similar action at the French consulate in Zinder.

The president of the National Support Committee for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima, has asked all partners of French bases in Niger to suspend all water and electricity supplies and food deliveries.

In addition, any partners who continue to help the French acquire the goods and services will be considered “enemies of the sovereign people."

On Monday, President Macron said that France would support any efforts, including military intervention by ECOWAS, to restore constitutional order in Niger.

WHY AFRICA IS POOR

A significant amount of the uranium that France uses to power its electricity grid is from Niger, yet the West African nation is among the poorest in the world. This unfortunate situation is not limited to Niger but common across the continent. African countries produce most of the minerals and resources that the modern world needs to function, so how can Africa still be poor? Senior Lecturer in economics Dr. Howard Nicholas has some idea why. Listen to him explain how global economics and institutions keep the continent impoverished and its raw materials cheap. (14/10/2015, International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, Netherlands).

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ZIMBABWE OPPOSITION DISPUTES RESULTS

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has officially declared the country’s incumbent leader and ruling-party candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner of last week's tightly contested ballot.

But the result is unlikely to bring to an end the political turmoil that’s rocked the country over the last few years, as opposition leader Nelson Chamisa claims he and his party Citizens Coalition for Change are the real winners.

The party says it knows this thanks to its own “internal voter tabulation system” - but has so far failed to give any evidence.

Some of its pre-election rallies were shut down as they would have clashed with ZANU-PF events, but monitors from the African Union were largely satisfied the vote was transparent.

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TINUBU NEGLECTS TERRORIST THREAT

Nigeria has committed troops to an ECOWAS intervention force in neighbouring Niger. However, this has been done while a Boko Haram insurgency continues to grip much of northern Nigeria. What’s more, the country’s government is closing camps used to shelter those displaced by the terrorists. Shouldn’t President Tinubu put the safety of his own people first, before looking to enter foreign wars?

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BREAKING: COUP IN GABON

Military leaders have seized power in Gabon - saying the presidential elections in the country lacked credibility.

Results announced on Wednesday declared Ali Bongo won a third term with just under 64.27 per cent of the vote. Borders have been closed, and all institutions dissolved.

"Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis," an officer said on TV channel Gabon 24. He was flanked by a group of a dozen army colonels, members of the elite Republican Guard, regular soldiers and others.

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