In brief
Russian forces announced support in repelling a Saturday coup attempt in Niger, a move that highlights Moscow’s expanding military role in the Sahel. In Niamey, explosions rattled the capital, but Nigerian troops and the Russian African Corps reportedly drove off the insurgents. The government said the mutiny was contained with assistance from Russian servicemen, while Moscow pledged continued support against extremists. The incident raises concerns about internal stability within Niger’s military, already fighting jihadist insurgencies. With Russia’s presence at key sites such as Air Base 101, its partnership with Niger and other Sahel states reinforces a new security architecture.
Russia says its forces helped to repel Saturday’s attempted coup in Niger.
Explosions and gunfire rang out across the capital, Niamey, early in the morning, including at a key military airbase and the presidential palace.
Nigerian forces repelled the attack with the assistance of servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence, the foreign ministry in Moscow said on Sunday.
The ministry added it would continue to support Niger in its fight against extremist groups, while affirming that the situation was now under the control of the legitimate authorities headed by President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani.
Russia’s African Corps has become a key security partner for several military governments in the Sahel, which battle long‑running jihadist insurgencies.
The mutiny at Air Base 101, part of the Diori Hamani airport complex, also highlighted the internal dissent within the army, as the government said no casualties were reported but the mutiny was contained after the intervention of Russian troops.
The army remains on high alert with increased patrolling around key sites such as the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion following the attempted takeover.
