African countries are divided over the threat issued by the Economic Community of West African States to intervene militarily in Niger to restore President Mohamed Bazoum's civilian government, following a coup in July.
Some states continue to urge the parties involved to seek a diplomatic resolution, saying that military action by the economic and security bloc would have unpredictable consequences across Africa.
Niger's military rulers on Friday gave the French, German, Nigerian and US ambassadors 48 hours to leave the country.
A coup on July 26, led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, toppled Mr Bazoum, who took office in 2021 after winning the presidential election.
He has been held under house arrest and may face charges of treason.
International parties have condemned the coup, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the US, which expressed its “unflagging” support for Mr Bazoum.
France, formerly a colonial power in Niger, joined calls by the African Union and Ecowas to reverse the coup and “restore the country’s democratic institutions”.
France said Niger's “putschists have no authority” to expel its ambassador. Paris has said it would support whatever course of action Ecowas takes on Niger.
However, as 11 out of 15 member states of Ecowas are mulling military intervention, many countries – including Niger's northern neighbour Algeria – said that the use of force might worsen the already unstable region and lead to war.
Ecowas on Friday told Niger's coup leaders it was “not too late” to reconsider their position.
A regional war on the horizon
Algerian security and conflict resolution analyst Ahmed Mizab said Niger is a fragile country, with four main issues that make any military intervention fraught with problems.
“Niger is classified among the 15 poorest countries in the world,” said Mr Mizab.
“This, together with the impact of its colonial legacy, ethnic tensions and terrorism, making any further collapse of the situation in Niger a fertile ground for a comprehensive crisis in the entire region.”
Mr Mizab said that instability in Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad and Mali may make the crisis in Niger the straw broke the camel’s back.
He said it could lead to the expansion of Boko Haram, an Al Qaeda-linked extremist group that has for years wreaked havoc in northern Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, into other territories.
Meanwhile, Algeria's Foreign Ministry said that resorting to a “violent” solutions in Niger might lead to “a cycle of violence with unpredictable consequences” for West Africa.
Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune assigned Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to visit Niger's neighbours Nigeria, Benin and Chad, to discuss the crisis and the need for a political solution.
Algerian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Lounes Magramane met members of Niger's military-appointed government, including Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, on Thursday.
Mr Magramane stressed the importance of negotiations.
“An intervention in Niger will naturally have disastrous consequences not only for Niger but for all the countries in the region”, he told Niger's national radio station, Voice of the Sahel.
Mr Mizab said pledges by Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea to support Niger's coup leaders made intervention more risky.
“Algeria's call for a peaceful solution stems from its conviction that any resort to military intervention [in Niger] would lead to the explosion of the situation and collapse of the entire security equation in the region, as it would open confrontations on more than one front,” Mr Mizab said.
He said military intervention “would turn into a regional war as several countries expressed their willingness to back up Niger's ruling junta to counter Ecowas”.
The use of force to resolve the crisis would feed into problems such as ethnic tension and terrorism, which would expand in the context of conflict, said Mr Mizab.
French interests at stake in Niger?
Mr Mizab highlighted France's role in Niger, and the wider region.
France has between 1,000 and 1,500 soldiers in Niger, under an agreement to help fight extremists. At least 1,000 US personnel are also present.
French troops were told to leave Mali and Burkina Faso following military coups there.
“France is looking at the [Niger] crisis from a narrow angle, as it has already received several slaps from other countries in the region and we are well aware of the importance of the Sahel to France,” said Mr Mizab.
Paris considers Niger an area of influence and with great strategic importance, and – given its colonial history in the region – would consider making an intervention, according to Mr Mizab.
Mr Bazoum gave France the authorisation for its troops to be stationed in his country to assist with counter-terrorism field, but this was revoked by the junta.
The current political status quo would mean that once again, French troops would have to retreat to another country or leave the Sahel region once and for all.
On Tuesday, the French Army denied reports that it had asked Algeria to use its airspace for a military operation in Niger.
Senegalese economist Demba Moussa Dembele said the Niger coup has been in the making for some time, as Mr Bazoum refused to let the military co-operate with armed forces in Burkina Faso and Mali to establish a common security strategy.
French influence made that impossible, he said.
“Public opinion has always been overwhelmingly against France's presence in Niger. There were protests last year against it, even at the national assembly as MPs called for the closure of the French military bases,” said Mr Dembele.
Military frustration over an abortive security alliance with Niger's western neighbours and widespread popular disapproval of the French presence led to the coup, said Mr Dembele.
France’s perceived influence on the economies of Niger and other West African countries – including the CFA franc currency – plus its privileged access to Niger's uranium and other natural resources has fuelled anti-French sentiment.
Niger is the world's seventh biggest producer of uranium. The fuel is vital for nuclear power with a quarter of it going to Europe, mainly France.
EU nuclear agency Euratom said in 2022 Niger delivered 2,975 tonnes of natural uranium – or 25.4 per cent of the bloc's supplies.
The production of West African CFA franc notes and coins has been carried out by the Bank of France since the currency's creation in 1945.
In 2021, Ecowas announced that it would attempting to launch a common currency, called the Eco, in West Africa replacing the CFA by 2027.
“There is a sentiment here that is against French colonialism, not only here [in West Africa] but also in central African countries … For that reason, the threat by Ecowas is something that is backed up by France,” Mr Dembele explained.
“The risk is just too high for France,” he added.
The end of Ecowas?
While Ecowas seems determined to intervene militarily in Niger, if necessary, observers say such a decision might lead to a crisis between its member states.
“The whole region would fall into turmoil and then Ecowas as we know will be over, because Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea will get out of it,” Mr Dembele told The National.
According to Mr Dembele, Ecowas has little support among ordinary people, who perceive the bloc as a gatekeeper for rulers' interest instead for caring for citizens' struggles.
Fragile democratic institutions and the lack of popular support to civilian governments in West Africa has put these countries at risk of a military takeover.
“There is no democracy in Cote d’Ivoire, there is no democracy in Benin or even here in Senegal, when they say they are going to restore democracy it’s only a facade for us,” Mr Dembele said.
“Elections alone do not necessarily mean democracy.”
In recent years, civil governments that have failed to install sustainable democratic institutions and garner public support have been toppled down in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Chad.
However, despite the relative popularity of these military governments, living conditions remain dire for residents, especially as sanctions against ruling regimes add to existing economic woes.
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The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Prophets of Rage
(Fantasy Records)
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
The National selections:
6.30pm AF Alwajel
7.05pm Ekhtiyaar
7.40pm First View
8.15pm Benbatl
8.50pm Zakouski
9.25pm: Kimbear
10pm: Chasing Dreams
10.35pm: Good Fortune
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ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars
ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD
Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
ABU DHABI CARD
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions; Dh90,000; 2,200m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 1,400m
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden; Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh100,000; 1,600m
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh125,000; 1,600m
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1; Dh5,000,000; 1,600m
Huddersfield Town permanent signings:
- Steve Mounie (striker): signed from Montpellier for £11 million
- Tom Ince (winger): signed from Derby County for £7.7m
- Aaron Mooy (midfielder): signed from Manchester City for £7.7m
- Laurent Depoitre (striker): signed from Porto for £3.4m
- Scott Malone (defender): signed from Fulham for £3.3m
- Zanka (defender): signed from Copenhagen for £2.3m
- Elias Kachunga (winger): signed for Ingolstadt for £1.1m
- Danny WIlliams (midfielder): signed from Reading on a free transfer
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Oppenheimer
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Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
More on Quran memorisation:
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
Specs
Price, base: Dhs850,000
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 591bhp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.3L / 100km
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
CREW
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
