BREAKING: Russia Reportedly Helps Nigerien Forces Repel Attempted Military Mutiny in Niamey
Russian military personnel from the Africa Corps reportedly intervened alongside Nigerien security forces to help suppress an overnight military mutiny in the capital, Niamey, between August 28 and 29.
According to the reports, anti-government forces attempted to launch a coup against the ruling military authorities, but Nigerien forces, supported by Russian personnel, moved to regain control and repel the attacks.
Russia was not directly involved in the military coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power in July 2023. However, Moscow has since emerged as an increasingly important security partner and supporter of Niger’s military-led government, particularly following the deterioration of Niamey’s relations with several Western and former colonial powers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue supporting Niger in its fight against extremist and destabilizing forces, including groups it claimed were being encouraged by former European colonial powers.
“The Russian side will continue to support its Nigerien friends in the fight against extremists, including those incited by former European colonial powers,” the ministry said.
The reported intervention highlights Russia’s expanding military and security role in the Sahel, where Moscow has strengthened ties with military-led governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso amid a broader shift away from Western security partnerships.
Russia Reportedly Helps Nigerien Forces Repel Attempted Military Mutiny in Niamey
Russian military personnel from the Africa Corps reportedly intervened alongside Nigerien security forces to help suppress an overnight military mutiny in the capital, Niamey, between August 28 and 29.
According to the reports, anti-government forces attempted to launch a coup against the ruling military authorities, but Nigerien forces, supported by Russian personnel, moved to regain control and repel the attacks.
Russia was not directly involved in the military coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power in July 2023. However, Moscow has since emerged as an increasingly important security partner and supporter of Niger’s military-led government, particularly following the deterioration of Niamey’s relations with several Western and former colonial powers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue supporting Niger in its fight against extremist and destabilizing forces, including groups it claimed were being encouraged by former European colonial powers.
“The Russian side will continue to support its Nigerien friends in the fight against extremists, including those incited by former European colonial powers,” the ministry said.
The reported intervention highlights Russia’s expanding military and security role in the Sahel, where Moscow has strengthened ties with military-led governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso amid a broader shift away from Western security partnerships.