“nation of Niger”
I don’t know what mineral resources they have, but that country could be mined for jokes.
Uranium -- lots of it too. Remember Joe Wilson?
I know you're kidding, but Niger is actually flush with all kinds of natural resources, which makes their economic malaise all the more tragic. Like so many African countries, their government is so corrupt and inefficient, it makes it virtually impossible for their people to utilize their own resources to enrich themselves, and build a sustainable economy.
This coup is just another example of their incompetence.
Boy this would make for a hilarious segment on The Daily Show, since they take potshots at both parties, ya know.