Russia says it helped to repel Niger attempted coup
Russia's Ministry of Defence says its forces helped Nigerien troops repel an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey, on Saturday. Explosions and gunfire were heard across the city, including at a key military airbase and the presidential palace, before authorities declared the uprising contained. The incident underlines the fragility of military ruler Gen Abdourahmane Tiani's government, which has deepened security ties with Moscow since seizing power, and highlights persistent internal discontent alongside the jihadist insurgency Niger continues to battle.
Moscow's foreign ministry said Nigerien forces put down the attack "with the assistance of servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence" and pledged continued support against "extremists". Neither the authorities nor Gen Tiani have disclosed how many soldiers were involved or the number of casualties, though state television showed alleged mutineers being arrested by the Presidential Guard. The attack targeted Air Base 101, part of the Diori Hamani airport complex, which also hosts Russian and Italian forces and has twice been attacked by jihadists this year. The Alliance of Sahel States, grouping Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, condemned the mutiny as "a betrayal", and Niger's authorities have since stepped up security patrols across Niamey.
In short
- Russia says its African Corps helped foil a Niger coup attempt
- Explosions and gunfire hit Niamey's airbase and presidential palace
- Authorities have not confirmed numbers of mutineers or casualties involved
Explained simply
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa that has faced a long-running insurgency by armed groups linked to jihadist movements. In 2023, Gen Abdourahmane Tiani took power in a military coup, and his government has since built closer ties with Russia while reducing some of Niger’s former security partnerships.
The African Corps is a Russian military force operating in parts of Africa, including the Sahel region. Niger’s military government, its Presidential Guard and Russian personnel are among the key players in the country’s security, while Mali and Burkina Faso are partners through the Alliance of Sahel States.
The attempted coup points to tensions within Niger’s armed forces as well as the wider challenge of keeping the country secure. Air Base 101, where the reported attack took place, is part of the airport complex in the capital and has also been targeted by jihadist attacks.