Nathaniel Powell
natkpowell.bsky.social
Nathaniel Powell
@natkpowell.bsky.social
Historian--France, Africa, etc. Honorary Researcher Lancaster University CWD, West Africa Analyst, Oxford Analytica. Author of "France's Wars in Chad" https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/frances-wars-in-chad/6B7D8F9C8A81E0A83028C24EA0CF8D28
An apt US intelligence analysis of Zaire, March 1979.
September 29, 2025 at 3:08 PM
It also reflects the seemingly high popularity enjoyed by the junta, and especially Assimi Goïta, at least in urban areas. Junta narratives of military success, Kidal's recapture, the unpopularity of civilian politicians, and relative urban security may help explain this.
August 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
And is consistent with the years following the 2021 coup, although we do see a slight decline:
August 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
This is true across all regions, including the far north and the areas most affected by jihadist violence:
August 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
I'm finally digging into some of the results of the
@fesonline.bsky.social's2025 "Mali Mètre" survey published in May. The results are striking. Eg a large majority see the overall situation of the country as improving:
August 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Wouldn't be Easter without a castle visit.
April 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
To add to the lack of clarity, here is the US acting chief of mission, Richard Dwyer's account:
April 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
But when Chadian army units launched their attack on Tombalbaye's presidential palace on April 13 1975, the French contingent in N'Djamena, over 1,500 troops, was explicitly ordered to stand down.
April 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
50 years ago yesterday Chadian President François/N’Garta Tombalbaye was overthrown (and killed) in a military coup. The coup would kick-off a series of events that would eventually lead to state-collapse 4-years later. A longstanding question that remains unanswered is the alleged French role.
April 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Any other dads out there who have gotten really into the War of the Spanish Succession?
April 1, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Cue breathless reporting about abandoning Africa etc...AFRICOM's net impact on African security can charitably be described as zero.
February 25, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Escapism for these dark times.
January 23, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Napoleon in the mist
January 21, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Check out the next installment in my series on historical US intelligence coverage of Africa: Paul Biya's early months in power. nathanielkpowell.substack.com/p/paul-biyas...
November 3, 2024 at 3:48 PM