In the weeks since Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a coup, concern has mounted globally over the potential for deadly conflict to sweep West Africa—particularly as the Economic Community of West African States, chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has threatened military intervention and, as of Thursday, ordered a “standby force” to restore order to Niger.

In this edition of Flash Points, we examine the domestic, regional, and global impacts of Niger’s coup—and explore how it might shape the future of geopolitics in Africa.—Chloe Hadavas

Niger’s Coup Is a Turning Point for Africans

The crisis has created a truly geopolitical moment for intra-African politics, FP’s Howard W. French writes.

Will Nigeria Reclaim Its Role as a Regional Power?

Bola Tinubu’s new role as ECOWAS chair, and the coup in Niger, present an opportunity for a foreign-policy reset, Afolabi Adekaiyaoja writes.

Niger’s Coup Is West Africa’s Biggest Challenge Yet

ECOWAS’s Sunday deadline to reimpose Niger’s president could be the starting pistol for war across West Africa, FP’s Alexandra Sharp explains.

Military Intervention in Niger Is Bound to Fail

Nigeria has understandable security concerns, but using force to dislodge Niger’s junta could spark a refugee crisis and regional war, Folahanmi Aina writes.

Who Benefits From Niger’s Coup?

Most global powers with a military presence or financial stake in the country stand to lose from instability—and that could put pressure on the military junta, Samuel Ramani writes.