ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Niger's capital of Niamey was reported calm on Sunday after a day of unrest when soldiers staged a mutiny that posed a threat to the ruling military junta, which has been in power since a coup in 2023. The mutiny was suppressed by loyalist forces with assistance from Russian troops. The soldiers engaged loyalist forces in sustained gunfire from Friday night until late Saturday, primarily around Niamey's main airport, which houses a military air base and is strategically significant. The unrest resulted in the arrest or death of dozens of soldiers, although the authorities did not disclose specific charges against them.
On Sunday, military trucks and checkpoints were observed throughout the city, particularly on major roads connecting the airport and the presidential district. Junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani had not made any public comments or appearances following the events. Witnesses reported that gunfire and explosions began around midnight on Friday, with the airport being a focal point of the unrest. This incident marked the third occurrence of unrest at the airport this year.
Niger's Defense Ministry stated that its forces were regaining control after a group of soldiers took hostages at the air base and fired at key sites. The chaos continued for hours as loyalist forces secured the air base and the presidency. Some mutineers reportedly came from regions affected by jihadi violence and sought support from others stationed outside the city. Analysts suggest that the unrest was driven by grievances over rising insecurity and ongoing jihadi attacks, which have resulted in significant casualties among soldiers.
Héni Nsaibia, a senior analyst at Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, noted that the frequency of deadly attacks is likely to exacerbate tensions within the military. Jihadi violence has escalated in the Sahel region, impacting neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Mali, where military coups have occurred. The junta in Niger had pledged to stabilize the country, but security has deteriorated, with recent attacks resulting in at least 18 soldiers killed in the southern Dosso region.
The mutiny was reportedly led by soldiers deployed against jihadis, highlighting the pressures that have contributed to recent coups in the Sahel. Issues concerning soldiers' welfare, including food rations and equipment, have also been raised as critical factors affecting military cohesion. The mutineers resisted loyalist forces for several hours until Russian troops intervened with ground and aerial support.
Russia's Africa Corps, believed to consist of 200 to 300 personnel in Niger, is primarily tasked with protecting the junta and supporting anti-jihadi efforts. Moscow's ambassador to Niger stated that the Nigerien government had requested assistance, and the mutineers were neutralized due to this intervention. The regional Alliance of Sahel States expressed support for Niger and condemned the actions of the mutineers. Algeria and Turkey also expressed solidarity with Niger, with Algeria sending military support to the country.