Niger’s Junta Faces Major Threat as Soldiers Launch Apparent Mutiny

Dozens of soldiers have reportedly been killed or arrested following an apparent mutiny in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in what analysts describe as a serious challenge to the country’s military junta.

Niger’s state broadcaster, RTN, reported that security forces had regained control after hours of fighting involving young soldiers who rebelled at a military base located within Diori Hamani International Airport and near the presidential palace.

The unrest began early Saturday after mutinous troops reportedly took some officers hostage at the military base and opened fire on sensitive sites in the capital. Sustained gunfire and explosions were heard around the airport and the district housing the presidential palace, while state television and radio were temporarily taken off the air.

According to RTN, the fighting lasted several hours in different parts of Niamey before loyalist security forces gradually regained control, arresting and “incapacitating” the mutinous soldiers. State television subsequently broadcast footage showing dozens of mostly young soldiers being paraded after their arrest.

However, the exact number of soldiers killed or arrested has not been disclosed, and the Associated Press said it could not independently verify the reported casualties or whether government forces had completely secured all affected locations.

The attempted mutiny also drew reported support for the junta from Russia’s Africa Corps.

Diplomats and analysts said Russian personnel provided aerial and ground assistance to Nigerien forces attempting to suppress the rebellion. Russian media, meanwhile, quoted Moscow’s ambassador to Niger as saying senior Nigerien military officers visited the Africa Corps base and thanked its personnel for their assistance.

The reported involvement highlights Niger’s growing military relationship with Russia since the country’s 2023 coup and its withdrawal from traditional Western security partnerships.

The apparent mutiny comes as Niger continues to struggle with attacks from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Analysts say frustration among younger soldiers may have been fuelled by the continued killing of troops despite the military junta’s pledge, when it seized power in 2023, to improve security.

Some of the soldiers involved reportedly came from parts of southwestern Niger that have suffered heavily from militant attacks. Reuters reported that troops in the region have sustained significant casualties in recent battles.

The mutiny represents a particularly serious challenge for military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who took power in the July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.

Tchiani’s whereabouts remained unclear following Saturday’s unrest, according to reports.

Although loyalist forces appear to have gained the upper hand, the situation remains sensitive, with reports of additional troops moving toward Niamey and uncertainty over whether all military units have accepted the junta’s authority.