Russia uses social media channels to exploit Niger coup

Moscow aiming to increase influence in Africa, winning lucrative contracts and gaining access to key resourcesSocial media channels associated with the Russian state have launched a major effort to exploit last month’s military coup in Niger, seeking to reinforce Moscow’s influence in the country and possibly open opportunities for intervention.Mohamed Bazoum, the pro-western elected president, was ousted by senior army officers on 26 July and is being held prisoner in his official r