Russia says it helped to repel Niger attempted coup

Russia claimed on Sunday that its forces aided in thwarting an attempted coup in Niger earlier on Saturday. The capital, Niamey, experienced explosions and gunfire, specifically targeting a crucial military airbase and the presidential palace. Subsequently, Niger's authorities declared the rebellion subdued. Moscow's foreign ministry stated that the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence had played a supporting role in repelling the assault.

The ministry further pledged continued backing for Niger in its battle against "extremists," clarifying that the situation was now under control of the lawful authorities led by President [Gen Abdourahmane] Tiani.

The Alliance of Sahel States, encompassing Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, characterized the attempted coup as a "betrayal by a group of soldiers involved in a destabilization attempt." However, the exact number of soldiers implicated in the coup and the number of casualties remain undisclosed by Niger's authorities. Gen Tiani, the nation's military leader who assumed the presidency last year after toppling the elected leader, has not made any public remarks regarding the incident.

Television footage broadcast by Niger's state broadcaster depicted several suspected mutineers being apprehended by the Presidential Guard.

On Sunday, the Niger Press Agency reported that commercial activities were resuming normally, with petrol stations, shops, and other businesses reopening. Supporters of the government congregated at a public square in central Niamey to show their support for the security forces and Tiani's administration. Air Base 101, the military installation attacked on Saturday, is part of the Diori Hamani airport complex, which houses Nigerien military aircraft, drones, and an Alliance of Sahel States counter-terrorism unit. Both Russian and Italian forces are stationed there, as reported by Reuters.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are all military-ruled nations that have severed ties with Western partners and bolstered their collaboration with Russia. Despite this shift in alliances, jihadist violence continues to be prevalent in all three countries. For Niger's government, the mutiny on Saturday underscores that the military is grappling not only with external insurgencies but also internal discontent.

As a result, the airbase where the mutiny commenced has been under heightened surveillance by security forces, including the primary airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.