In brief
Russian military forces in Niger reportedly played a key role in stifling a Saturday coup bid in the capital Niamey, according to Moscow. The government says the attack was quashed by Nigerien troops with the support of the African Corps from the Russian Defence Ministry. While the coup attempt was contained, the incident highlights growing tensions within the Nigerien armed forces and broader unrest across the Sahel. Russia pledged continued backing to Niger against extremist threats amid a shift in the region’s security alliances.
Russia says its forces helped halt an attempted coup in Niamey, Niger.
Explosions and gunfire rattled the capital early Saturday, hitting a military airbase and the presidential palace. Nigerien officials later confirmed the mutiny was contained, aided by servicemen from Russia’s African Corps.
The Russian ministry reiterated its commitment to support Niger in fighting extremists while stressing that the situation now rests with President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani’s loyalist regime.
The African Corps has become a key partner for the Sahel alliance, a trio of military‑ruled states—Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso—shifting ties from Western partners toward Moscow to counter widespread jihadist insurgencies.
The mutiny underscored that Niger’s military faces threats from both outside insurgents and internal dissent. Authorities have increased patrols around key sites, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion, after the event.
Local businesses and petrol stations reportedly reopened the next day, and supporters of the government gathered in Niamey’s central square to back the security forces and Tiani’s rule. The incident further stresses the fragile security environment in the Sahel and the stakes of international support for regional stability.
