Russia Claims Role in Repelling Niger Coup Attempt

Russia has said its forces helped to repel Saturday’s attempted coup in Niger. The ministry in Moscow announced that the rebellion was contained after Russian “African Corps” troops assisted Nigerien soldiers in the capital, Niamey.

Explosions and gunfire rang out across Niamey early in the morning, hitting the presidential palace and a key military airbase – Air Base 101, part of the Diori Hamani complex. The airbase hosts Nigerian, Russian and Italian forces, as well as the Alliance of Sahel States counter‑terrorism unit.

Niger’s regime confirmed that the uprising had been halted and that the attack was carried out by a “group of soldiers” seeking to destabilise the country. The Russian foreign ministry noted it would continue to support Niger “in the fight against extremists.”

The incident comes at a time when Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – all ruled by military juntas that have cut ties with Western partners – are deepening ties with Russia. Despite this cooperation, jihadist violence remains widespread across the Sahel.

The mutiny underscores a dual problem for Niger: combating external insurgencies while dealing with internal dissent within its own ranks. Following the attack, security forces increased patrols around major sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.

Source: BBC News