Russia says its military personnel helped Nigerien forces repel an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey, after explosions and gunfire were reported around key military and government facilities.
The attempted takeover occurred early Saturday, with fighting reported at Air Base 101, part of the Diori Hamani International Airport complex, and near the presidential palace.
Nigerien authorities later announced that the rebellion had been contained.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that Nigerien security forces repelled the attack with assistance from servicemen of the African Corps, a Russian military formation operating in Africa.
Moscow said it would continue supporting Niger in its fight against extremist groups, adding that the situation was under the control of the country’s “legitimate authorities” led by President and military ruler, Gen. Abdourahmane Tiani.
The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, described the attempted coup as a “betrayal” by soldiers seeking to destabilise the government.
Authorities have not disclosed the number of soldiers involved or reported casualties from the incident. Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup and was sworn in as president last year, has yet to publicly comment on the attempted takeover.
Niger’s state broadcaster aired footage showing several alleged mutineers being arrested by members of the Presidential Guard.
By Sunday, commercial activities in Niamey were reportedly returning to normal, with petrol stations, shops and other businesses reopening. Government supporters also gathered in central Niamey to demonstrate their backing for the security forces and Tiani’s administration.
Air Base 101, where the mutiny reportedly began, houses Nigerien military aircraft and drones as well as a counter-terrorism unit of the Alliance of Sahel States. Russian and Italian personnel are also based at the facility.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have strengthened their military and security ties with Russia after cutting or reducing cooperation with several Western partners.
Despite the shift in alliances, however, jihadist violence remains widespread across the three Sahel countries.
The latest incident underscores the security challenges facing Niger’s military government, which is battling both persistent jihadist insurgencies and signs of possible discontent within the armed forces.
The military airbase targeted during Saturday’s attempted coup had itself been attacked twice by jihadist groups this year, including an affiliate of Islamic State and another linked to al-Qaeda.
Following the attempted takeover, Nigerien authorities increased security patrols around strategic locations in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.
