Inside the 24-hour mutiny that threatened Niger’s ruling junta and how Russian forces intervened

Abu Dhabi, UAE (AP) — The capital city of Niamey in Niger appeared peaceful on Sunday, with normalcy restored following a day of unrest that saw young soldiers initiate a mutiny targeting the ruling military junta. The soldiers took on loyalist forces in intense gunfire throughout the night from Friday to late Saturday. The majority of the confrontations occurred at Niamey’s main airport, which houses a crucial military air base and the headquarters of Russia’s Africa Corps in the nation.

This marks the third instance of unrest at the airport this year. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots near the presidential palace in the Plateau district of Niamey as soldiers confronted loyalist forces. According to the Niger’s Defense Ministry, their forces were progressively regaining control after a group of soldiers took their "comrades" hostage at the air base and opened fire on "sensitive" locations.

The situation persisted until late Saturday as the presidential guard and other loyalist forces secured the air base and the presidency. Some of the mutineers came from areas in the south and west, which have been heavily affected by jihadist violence, and were seeking support from others stationed outside the city. Security analysts attributed the unrest to growing security concerns, citing the rise in jihadist attacks that have resulted in numerous soldier fatalities in recent years.

The junta in Niger had claimed to stabilize the country, but instead, security has worsened, with attacks on military installations increasing, including a reported killing of at least 18 soldiers in the southern Dosso region a week ago. The junta's situation has become increasingly dire, fueling discontent and leading to the mutiny.

Russia's Africa Corps joined the junta's efforts, providing ground and aerial assistance to repel the mutineers.