Niger crushes mutiny attempt at key airbase

Niger’s security forces have regained control of a key military airbase in the capital, Niamey, following a mutiny by disgruntled soldiers. The violence erupted early Saturday, with explosions and gunfire heard across the city, including near the presidential palace. According to state media, the attack involved hundreds of soldiers who had grown frustrated by the military’s ongoing losses against Islamist extremist groups.

The mutiny lasted several hours before loyal forces, including the Presidential Guard, regained control of Base 101, which houses military aircraft, drones, and foreign personnel.

Three security sources reported that the Presidential Guard had rallied to support General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader who seized power in July 2023. General Tiani had not made a public appearance by Sunday morning. The alliance of Sahel states – comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso – stated that the attempted mutiny had been contained and had ultimately failed. Russia’s ambassador, Viktor Voropaev, revealed that the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps had been requested to help neutralize the mutineers.

Niger’s government vehemently denied claims that its commander, Col-Major Ahmed Sidian, had been dismissed or defected. They reaffirmed their loyalty to General Tiani and the security forces. The attempted coup came amid mounting frustration among frontline troops as Niger’s army continues to suffer heavy casualties fighting Islamist extremist groups linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS. The airbase has been targeted twice this year – once by an ISIS affiliate in January and again by an Al Qaeda-linked group in June.