In brief
Russia’s African Corps reportedly helped Niger’s armed forces fend off an attempted coup in Niamey, with explosions and gunfire striking the capital’s military airbase and presidential palace. The Nigerien regime said the rebellion was contained after Russian troops intervened, and Moscow pledged continued support against extremist threats. The incident highlights both internal military discord and the broader Sahel security environment where several Sahelian governments have turned to Russia. Amid persistent jihadist violence, the event underscores Russia’s growing influence in West Africa’s unstable region.
Russia has said its forces helped to repel Saturday’s attempted coup in Niger. The ministry in Moscow announced that the rebellion was contained after Russian “African Corps” troops assisted Nigerien soldiers in the capital, Niamey.
Explosions and gunfire rang out across Niamey early in the morning, hitting the presidential palace and a key military airbase – Air Base 101, part of the Diori Hamani complex. The airbase hosts Nigerian, Russian and Italian forces, as well as the Alliance of Sahel States counter‑terrorism unit.
Niger’s regime confirmed that the uprising had been halted and that the attack was carried out by a “group of soldiers” seeking to destabilise the country. The Russian foreign ministry noted it would continue to support Niger “in the fight against extremists.”
The incident comes at a time when Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – all ruled by military juntas that have cut ties with Western partners – are deepening ties with Russia. Despite this cooperation, jihadist violence remains widespread across the Sahel.
The mutiny underscores a dual problem for Niger: combating external insurgencies while dealing with internal dissent within its own ranks. Following the attack, security forces increased patrols around major sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.
Source: BBC News
