Russia, Algeria and Niger’s fellow Alliance of Sahel States members have rallied behind the country after mutinous soldiers launched another attempt to overthrow the military government of President Abdourahamane Tiani.
The uprising began on August 29, when soldiers attacked strategic sites in Niamey, including Air Base 101 at Diori Hamani International Airport and areas around the presidential palace. The state broadcaster was also targeted before loyalist forces regained control.
*Business Insider Africa *also gathered that some of those involved in the failed uprising had trained at the *Upper Barracks*, an institution with longstanding French influence before Paris was forced to scale back its military presence in Niger.
However, there is no verified evidence linking France to the latest coup attempt.
Russia subsequently confirmed its involvement in suppressing the uprising, with its Africa Corps providing ground and aerial support to Nigerien forces.
Nigerien forces had repelled the attack “with the assistance of servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence”, the foreign ministry in Moscow said on Sunday.
The ministry also said it would continue to support Niger in its fight against “extremists”, but that the situation was now under the control of the “legitimate authorities headed by President [Gen Abdourahmane] Tiani”.
Alongside Russia’s direct intervention, Algeria has also strengthened Niger’s military capabilities in recent weeks.
Earlier in August, Algiers donated four military helicopters to Niger, comprising two Mi-24V attack helicopters and two Mi-171 multirole helicopters.
The package also included ammunition, spare parts, maintenance equipment and logistical support.
The Mi-24Vs were pictured with launch racks for Ingwe anti-tank missiles, while other equipment included pods for S-5 air-to-surface rockets.
Following the latest unrest, Algerian Su-30 fighter jets and an aerial-refuelling tanker were also reported in Niger.
Meanwhile, Niger’s fellow AES members, Mali and Burkina Faso, publicly backed the government following the attempted overthrow.
The AES said it remained “fully committed and mobilised alongside Niger” and reaffirmed its “total support” for the country’s institutions.
The bloc also praised the “loyalty, courage and sense of duty” of Niger’s security forces and described the actions of the mutineers as a “betrayal” and an “attempt to destabilise” the country.
The latest unrest adds to Niger’s long history of military intervention in politics, with five successful coups since independence from France in 1960, in 1974, 1996, 1999, 2010 and 2023, alongside several failed attempts.
Tiani himself came to power in July 2023 after the Presidential Guard detained elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
However, authorities have not disclosed how many soldiers participated in the latest attempt or provided a definitive casualty toll.
State television showed footage of several alleged mutineers being arrested by the Presidential Guard.
Air Base 101, where much of the fighting occurred, is part of the Diori Hamani airport complex. It hosts Nigerien military aircraft and drones, an AES counter-terrorism unit, as well as Russian and Italian forces.
By Sunday, authorities said the situation was under control and commercial activity was returning to Niamey.
Petrol stations, shops and other businesses reopened, while government supporters gathered in the capital in support of Tiani and the security forces.
Follow the story