Niger Junta Thwarts Mutiny With Help From Russia's Africa Corps, Algeria

Niger's military government thwarted a mutiny by disgruntled soldiers over the weekend, with assistance from Russia's Africa Corps mercenaries and Algeria.

The unrest began overnight from Friday, August 28, to Saturday, August 29, with junior officers targeting the presidency, national television, and Base Aérienne 101 near Niamey’s international airport. Defense Minister Gen. Salifou Mody stated that a group of soldiers tried to detain some of their comrades at Base 101 in Niamey and opened fire on certain sensitive sites.

Mody said the prompt reaction of the defense and security forces made it possible to contain this heated moment. Reporters in Niamey indicated that mutineers remained in control of Air Base 101 until late Saturday afternoon. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta boss, maintained power by deploying his loyal presidential guard and receiving help from the Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group.

Viktor Voropaïev, Russian ambassador to Niger, stated that the Nigerien government requested Russia's assistance in quelling the mutiny. On Sunday, August 30, Algeria sent four fighter aircraft and two other military planes, an unexpected decision given Algeria's non-intervention doctrine since its independence. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria held phone talks on Monday with General Abdourahamane Tiani to review the situation in Niger.

Sahel expert Abdoulaye Sounaye noted that Nigerien soldiers face difficult conditions, including fighting jihadi groups for less than €150 a month. Pape Ibrahima Kane, a Senegalese governance expert, described the incident as an attempted coup, not just a mutiny. The failed mutiny highlights deep divisions within Niger's military and contradicts the junta's claims of independence from foreign powers.