Russia says it helped to repel Niger attempted coup

On Saturday, an attempted coup occurred in the capital city of Niamey, Niger, involving explosions and gunfire targeting key military facilities and the presidential palace. Subsequently, Niger's authorities announced that the rebellion had been subdued with the aid of Russian military servicemen. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed that the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence had played a crucial role in repelling the attack, and they would continue to support Niger in its fight against extremism.

This incident underscores the significance of Russia's African Corps as a key security partner for multiple military governments in the Sahel region, which are grappling with persistent jihadist insurgencies. The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, characterized the attempted coup as a betrayal by a faction of soldiers involved in destabilization efforts.

However, the number of soldiers involved and the casualties remain undisclosed by the authorities. Gen Abdourahmane Tiani, who assumed the presidency of Niger last year after toppling the elected leader, has not addressed the incident publicly. State media reported that commercial activity is gradually resuming in Niamey, with shops and businesses reopening following the unrest.

Tiani's government received support from citizens at a public square in central Niamey. Air Base 101, situated within the Diori Hamani airport complex and housing military aircraft, drones, and a Sahel States counter-terrorism unit, was the primary target of the coup attempt. The base has previously been attacked twice this year by jihadist factions, including one from the Islamic State and another from al-Qaeda.

Nigerien authorities have increased security measures around critical locations in Niamey, such as the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion, in response to the attempted takeover.