Dozens of soldiers killed, arrested after apparent mutiny in Niger capital: State TV

Dozens of soldiers were killed or arrested after a group of young troops attempted to stage a mutiny in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in an apparent challenge to the country’s military junta, state television and analysts said.

State broadcaster RTN aired footage showing dozens of soldiers being paraded publicly following the unrest at a key military base located at Niamey’s main airport, close to the presidential palace.

“The fighting lasted a few hours in several places,” RTN reported, saying security forces gradually regained control, arrested the mutineers and “incapacitated” them.

Russia’s Africa Corps provided aerial and ground support to Nigerien forces during efforts to suppress the rebellion, according to diplomats and analysts. The Associated Press could not independently verify the reports or establish whether the government had fully restored control.

Analysts said the mutiny appeared to have been driven by frustration over deteriorating security conditions and repeated attacks that have killed large numbers of soldiers. One European diplomat said some of the troops involved came from southwestern Niger, among the areas hardest hit by militant violence.

Gunfire, explosions rock Niamey

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported overnight into Saturday, including around Niamey’s main airport, which houses a military air base, and in the Plateau district where the presidential palace is located.

Security forces were deployed around key sites as tensions remained high.

By Saturday evening, mutineers were reportedly still holed up at the airport, while the presidential guard maintained control of the presidency, according to analysts and a diplomat. The whereabouts of Niger’s military ruler, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, remained unclear.

Niger’s Defence Minister Gen Salifou Mody said the soldiers had taken several officers hostage and opened fire on “sensitive sites”, describing the actions as a violation of military discipline and regulations.

Niger seeks help from Russia’s Africa Corps

Niger’s ruling military council, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, appealed for unity and urged citizens and security forces to remain vigilant.

“Our Defense and Security Forces are mobilized for the Defense of the Fatherland. Let us remain united, vigilant and supportive,” it said in a Facebook post.

RTN temporarily halted its live broadcast on Saturday morning before resuming transmission later in the day.

Russian media quoted Russia’s ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, as saying Nigerien military authorities had requested assistance from Russia’s Africa Corps to suppress the mutiny.

The Africa Corps has personnel stationed at the airport base and provides security assistance to Niger, according to reports.

“The mutineers are ordered to lay down their arms,” Voropayev was quoted as saying, without confirming whether Russian forces had begun operations.

Algeria’s Foreign Ministry also expressed support for Niger, pledging “full solidarity and firm support” to help its southeastern neighbour overcome the crisis and restore stability.

Rising jihadist violence fuels military tensions

The unrest comes amid mounting pressure on Niger’s junta over its failure to curb jihadist violence.

The military base at Diori Hamani International Airport has been attacked three times this year, including two previous assaults by jihadist fighters.

“These attacks are becoming commonplace and will continue to fuel unrest and aggravate tensions within the army ranks,” said Heni Nsaibia, West Africa senior analyst at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.

Nsaibia said deteriorating security had helped trigger military coups across the central Sahel and was now contributing to unrest within the same armed forces that had seized power.

The airport is a strategically important military hub, housing Niger’s air force base and the headquarters of a joint military force involving Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. All three countries are now governed by military regimes following a series of coups across the Sahel.

Niger junta faces growing security challenge

Niger’s military authorities seized power in a 2023 coup, saying the elected government had failed to stop escalating armed violence.

Since then, the junta has broken with longtime Western security partners and strengthened ties with Russia, including through cooperation with the Africa Corps.

But jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh have continued to carry out deadly attacks, while Nigerien forces have suffered heavy casualties.

Before the 2023 coup, Niger had been viewed as one of the West’s most important remaining security partners in the Sahel. The military’s continued inability to contain militant violence, however, has left its forces overstretched and increased pressure within the ranks.

The latest mutiny threatens to deepen those tensions and presents a significant challenge to Niger’s military rulers as they struggle to maintain control while fighting an increasingly deadly insurgency.