The coup in Niger demonstrates that for all Flintlock’s success in dislodging troublesome governments, the operation is replete with a high - and perhaps constantly growing - risk of blowback.

Africa’s history of coups over the past century is extensive. As such, some may be tempted to dismiss Flintlock’s significance in fomenting revolution across the continent. Yet, a 2017 Journal of Peace Research study found Washington’s foreign military training efforts roughly doubled the risk of military coups in recipient states.