Russia Says Its Forces Helped Repel Niger Coup
Russia’s African Corps affirmed that its servicemen supported Nigerien troops in quashing a Saturday coup attempt that broke out in Niamey. The insurgency targeted the presidential palace and a key military airbase, prompting explosions and gunfire in the early hours.
Hours later, Niger’s authorities declared the rebellion contained and credited the combined effort of local forces and Russian soldiers for restoring order. The Moscow foreign ministry added that it would continue to support Niger against “extremists,” affirming the new government’s legitimacy under President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani.
The incident highlights the stakes for the African Union’s Sahel coalition—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—whose leaders have increasingly turned to Russia for military assistance while curbing ties with Western partners. Despite this partnership, jihadist insurgencies remain widespread across the region, and internal dissent within the Nigeri army poses an additional challenge.
Niger’s Air Base 101, attacked during the coup attempt, is part of the Diori Hamani complex and hosts both Nigerien and foreign military units, including pieces of the Russian African Corps and Italian forces. After the event, patrols around the presidential pavilion and airport entrance were intensified as a precautionary measure.
