Russia Claims Involvement in Repelling Niger Coup Attempt

Russia has stated that its forces assisted in repelling an attempted coup in Niger on Saturday. Explosions and gunfire were reported in the capital, Niamey, particularly at a military airbase and the presidential palace. Niger's authorities later announced that the rebellion had been contained. According to the Russian foreign ministry, Nigerien forces repelled the attack 'with the assistance of servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence.' The ministry indicated it would continue to support Niger in combating 'extremists,' asserting that the situation is now under the control of the legitimate authorities led by President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani. The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, characterized the attempted coup as 'a betrayal by a group of soldiers involved in an attempt at destabilisation.' The number of soldiers involved and any casualties have not been disclosed. Gen Tiani, who assumed the presidency last year after deposing the elected leader, has not publicly commented on the incident. Niger's state broadcaster aired footage of alleged mutineers being arrested by the Presidential Guard. Following the attempted coup, the Niger Press Agency reported that commercial activities were returning to normal, with petrol stations and shops reopening. Air Base 101, attacked during the coup attempt, is part of the Diori Hamani airport complex and hosts Nigerien military aircraft, drones, and a counter-terrorism unit from the Alliance of Sahel States, with Russian and Italian forces also present. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have shifted their alliances from Western partners to Russia, although jihadist violence persists in these countries. The recent mutiny underscores internal discontent within Niger's military, which has faced external insurgencies as well. Following the attempted takeover, Nigerien authorities have increased security patrols around key sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.