Niger coup attempt exposes weakness of Tiani junta
Under threat for a day, the regime in Niamey has managed to stop a coup attempt, with help from its Russian allies in Africa Corps. However, the mutiny underscores its fragility at a time that the country is facing attacks from several jihadist groups.
Russia claimed on Sunday that its forces aided in thwarting an attempted coup in Niger on Saturday. The capital, Niamey, experienced explosions and gunfire early in the morning, targeting a key military airbase and the presidential palace. Niger's authorities confirmed that the rebellion had been contained hours later. Moscow's foreign ministry attributed the assistance to servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
The ministry also expressed readiness to continue supporting Niger in its fight against extremism, emphasizing that the situation was now under control of the legitimate authorities led by President [Gen Abdourahmane] Tiani.
The African Corps has become a vital security partner for several military governments in the Sahel, struggling to combat persistent jihadist insurgencies. The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, described the attempted coup as a betrayal by soldiers involved in destabilization efforts. The extent of the coup plot, including the number of soldiers involved and any casualties, remains undisclosed by Niger's authorities.
President Tiani, who assumed the presidency last year after ousting the elected leader, has not yet commented publicly on the incident. State broadcaster Niger showed footage of alleged mutineers being apprehended by the Presidential Guard. On Sunday, the Niger Press Agency reported a return to normal commercial activity, with petrol stations, shops, and other businesses reopening.
Government supporters gathered at a public square in central Niamey to show support for the security forces and Tiani's administration. Air Base 101, the military site targeted on Saturday, is part of the Diori Hamani airport complex, hosting Nigerien military aircraft, drones, and an Alliance of Sahel States counter-terrorism unit. Russian and Italian forces are also stationed there, according to Reuters.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are all military-ruled nations that have severed ties with Western partners and strengthened their cooperation with Russia. However, jihadist violence remains a significant issue in all three countries, despite the shift in alliances. Niger's government acknowledged that the mutiny highlighted the military's struggle against both external insurgencies and internal discontent.
Following the attempted takeover, authorities increased patrols around key sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion. The incident has prompted a reassessment of security measures in the region, where three West African juntas have turned to Russia for support.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
