Russia cements its role as Africa junta protector after helping quell Niger’s mutiny
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Niger’s junta survived its most severe internal threat since seizing power in a 2023…
Niger’s military junta narrowly avoided a mutiny on December 22, 2025, when renegade soldiers stormed a strategic military base in the capital Niamey and threatened to take hostages. The standoff lasted 24 hours, but was ultimately quelled by presidential guards and Russian intervention from the Africa Corps paramilitary group. The soldiers had fired shots near the presidential palace, putting the country’s leadership at risk.
Russian Ambassador Viktor Voropayev confirmed that Niger had requested assistance from the Russian force, and the mutineers were "neutralized, particularly thanks to the intervention" of Africa Corps. This is the second time this year that the Africa Corps has intervened in Africa's Sahel region to prevent an attack on power centers.
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- Russia cements its role as Africa junta protector after helping quell Niger’s mutiny winnipegfreepress.com
- Russia helped foil coup in Niger — Official premiumtimesng.com
