Dozens of soldiers arrested after apparent coup attempt in Niger’s capital

Niger's security forces have reclaimed control of a key military airbase in the capital, Niamey, after hundreds of dissatisfied soldiers launched a mutiny, marking another challenge to military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani. Explosions and continuous gunfire erupted across Niamey early Saturday, including near Base 101, a major military complex close to Diori Hamani International Airport.

Eyewitnesses also reported intense shooting near the presidential palace. State media reported that the attack involved "hundreds of disaffected soldiers" and took place over several hours before loyal forces under Gen Tiani regained control of the base. Footage broadcast by state media showed mutineers surrendering. Three security sources stated that the Presidential Guard rallied to support Gen Tiani.

Gen Tiani, the junta leader, was not seen publicly by Sunday morning. Base 101 houses military aircraft, drones, a counter-terrorism unit, and foreign personnel, including Russian and Italian forces. Russia's ambassador, Viktor Voropaev, said the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps was requested to help neutralize the mutineers. The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, issued a statement claiming the attempted mutiny had been contained and failed.

They accused "a group of soldiers" of attempting to destabilize the country and praised Niger's security forces for restoring order. The Niger National Guard separately denied claims through a statement that its commander, Col-Major Ahmed Sidian, had been dismissed or defected, reaffirming its loyalty to Gen Tiani and the security forces.

Tensions have been growing among frontline troops as Niger's army faces repeated losses in its fight against Islamist extremist groups linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS. Mutineers reportedly included soldiers from Niamey and other regions where the army has suffered significant casualties. The airbase has already been targeted twice this year – once by an ISIS affiliate in January and another time by an Al Qaeda-linked group in June.

Gen Tiani took power in July 2023, distancing himself from Western partners, severing ties with the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), and strengthening his connections with Russia. His government has also tightened control over Niger's strategic uranium sector after seizing assets from the French nuclear giant Orano.

The attempted mutiny indicates that, in addition to the Islamist extremist threat, Gen Tiani now faces a potential internal enemy within his own armed forces.