Niger’s presidential guard, backed by Russian forces, has regained control of a strategic military base in the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers launched an armed uprising, diplomatic and security sources said.
The clashes erupted in the early hours of Saturday, with rebel soldiers reportedly attempting to advance toward the presidential palace and disrupting the country’s state broadcaster.
“The presidential guard has retaken control of the air base with the help of the Russians,” a diplomatic source told AFP, adding that several mutinous soldiers were killed during the operation.
Two security sources also confirmed that government forces had recaptured the base.
Niger’s military junta later announced that it had restored control over key locations in the capital following hours of intense fighting.
The country has been governed for three years by a military administration led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, which has faced persistent jihadist violence across the West African nation.
Heavy clashes in Niamey
The fighting began shortly after midnight when soldiers reportedly blocked access to the presidential palace and the headquarters of Tele Sahel, Niger’s state television station.
The broadcaster was temporarily taken off the air for more than an hour before transmissions resumed at around 10 a.m.
A security source said the mutinous soldiers had attempted to enter the presidential palace but were repelled by members of the presidential guard.
Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said some soldiers had taken fellow troops hostage at a military barracks and subsequently opened fire at what he described as sensitive locations in the capital.
Mody said government troops and security forces had moved swiftly to restore order and urged residents to remain calm.
The military also issued a statement on social media calling on citizens to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified reports about the situation.
Gunfire reported near airport
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions around Air Force Base 101, which is located within the international airport complex in Niamey.
One resident told AFP that bursts of gunfire could still be heard around 7 a.m., while another said he saw a military vehicle approaching the base before turning back.
Videos circulating online showed armoured military vehicles deployed around areas near the airport.
Air Force Base 101 is strategically important as it houses the headquarters of Russia’s Africa Corps in Niger. The facility also serves as the command centre for the joint military force established by the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
The base has previously been linked to the storage of a large shipment of uranium concentrate that was reportedly delayed while awaiting export.
By Saturday evening, diplomatic and security sources said the presidential guard, supported by Russian personnel, had regained control of the facility.
Junta supporters rally behind Tiani
As the government worked to consolidate its control, supporters of the junta called on Nigeriens to demonstrate in support of the authorities.
By late afternoon, dozens of people had gathered at a major square in Niamey, where military music praising General Tiani was played as a platform was prepared for speeches.
Neighbouring Algeria condemned the unrest and expressed support for Niger’s government.
The latest confrontation comes as Niger continues to battle rival jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
Niamey’s airport has reportedly come under attack twice this year, with the Islamic State in the Sahel carrying out an assault in January and the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) attacking in June.
Both groups are active in Niger as well as neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, where military governments also seized power through coups.
The three countries have moved away from traditional Western security partners, particularly France, withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and strengthened military and political ties with Russia as they seek to confront the region’s worsening jihadist insurgency.
