Niger 'mutiny': Dozens of rebel soldiers arrested or killed; Russia assists loyalist forces

Dozens of soldiers who attempted a mutiny in Niger were killed or arrested in the capital, Niamey, in what officials described as a "major threat" to the ruling junta.The rebels were a group of young troops who were reportedly “aggrieved” over the worsening violence under the junta.State broadcaster RTN aired footage showing dozens of mostly young soldiers being paraded in public after sustained gunfire and explosions were heard overnight into Saturday at a key military base within Niamey’s main airport. The facility houses an air force base and is located near the presidential palace.“The fighting lasted a few hours in several places,” RTN reported, adding that the clashes allowed security forces to “gradually control the situation, arrest and incapacitate these moody soldiers.”The whereabouts of military leader Abdourahamane Tchiani, however, remained unclear.Russia helps loyalist forcesAccording to Moscow’s Ambassador to Niamey Viktor Voropayev, Russia’s Africa Corps base at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport provided aerial and ground support to Nigerien forces in suppressing the rebellion.The airport faced its third attack this year after two earlier assaults by jihadist rebels. Voropayev noted that senior Nigerien military officers visited the facility and thanked Russian personnel for their assistance.The airport is a strategic military hub housing Niger’s air force base and the headquarters of a joint force with Burkina Faso and Mali. All three countries are under military rule and have turned to Russia for security support.Niger troops regain 'upper hand'Loyalist forces were reported to have regained the “upper hand” at the airport and military base. However, it remained unclear whether forces heading toward the capital were moving to support the mutiny or the junta.The unrest began with a hostage situation. Niger’s Defence Minister Gen. Salifou Mody said a group of soldiers took officers hostage at the base and fired at “sensitive sites” in what he described as a breach of military discipline and regulations.Niger’s junta seized power in a 2023 coup, citing the elected government’s failure to contain armed violence. Since then, it has cut ties with Western security partners and deepened cooperation with Russia. However, militant attacks have continued to inflict heavy casualties on Nigerien security forces, fueling discontent within the military.The ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland called for unity, saying the country’s defence and security forces remained mobilised to protect the nation.Niger had been a key Western security partner in the Sahel before the 2023 coup, but its forces are now overstretched as jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State continue to carry out attacks. Russian Africa Corps personnel have provided support, but the violence has persisted.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.