Russia cements its role as Africa junta protector after helping quell Niger’s mutiny

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — In a critical moment for its newly established regime, Niger's junta thwarted a mutiny by renegade soldiers, preserving its hold on power. The mutiny occurred over the weekend when soldiers took some colleagues hostage at a strategic military base in the capital, Niamey, and fired shots near the presidential palace.

Presidential guard forces, aided by Russia's Africa Corps paramilitary group, subdued the mutineers, marking the second time in a year that Africa Corps intervened to protect power centers in the Sahel region. Russia's ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, confirmed that Niger had requested Russian support, and the mutineers were "neutralized," with particular thanks to the intervention of Africa Corps.

Analysts note that the mutiny's timing and determination could have led to a different outcome had it not been for the Russian troops' timely intervention. The region, known as the global epicenter of terrorism, prioritizes fighting jihadis, but sustaining regimes remains a top priority for the Africa Corps. Russia has become a key player in Africa, providing security, economic deals, and political influence to the junta-led countries of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

While the juntas have benefited from Russia's support, the recent events highlight the vulnerabilities of regimes that rely heavily on external partnerships.