Russian Intervention Quells 24-Hour Mutiny Against Niger’s Junta
POLICY WIRE — Abuja, Nigeria — Normalcy has been restored in Niger’s capital, Niamey, following a tumultuous 24-hour period marked by a mutiny that posed a significant threat to the ruling...
POLICY WIRE — Abuja, Nigeria — Normalcy has been restored in Niger’s capital, Niamey, following a tumultuous 24-hour period marked by a mutiny that posed a significant threat to the ruling military junta. The insurrection, which was quelled by loyalist forces with the assistance of Russian troops, has left the city appearing calm on Sunday.
The mutiny, which began on Friday night and continued into Saturday, involved young soldiers engaging in intense gunfire with forces loyal to the junta. The clashes primarily occurred at Niamey’s main airport, which houses a critical military air base, and near the presidential palace in the Plateau district.
The unrest concluded with the apprehension or demise of numerous mutineers, who were subsequently displayed on state television. The specific charges against them remain undisclosed, and their ultimate fate is yet to be determined.
On Sunday, military vehicles and checkpoints were prevalent throughout the city, especially along the main routes connecting the airport and the presidential area. Junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani has not yet made any public statements or appearances.
The mutiny is believed to have been instigated by grievances over the escalating insecurity, including frequent jihadi attacks that have resulted in the deaths of many soldiers over the past year. Analysts suggest that the deteriorating security situation, which has led to increased attacks on military positions, including a recent incident in the southern Dosso region where at least 18 soldiers were killed, has fueled discontent within the army ranks.
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The mutineers, who were predominantly stationed in areas severely affected by jihadi violence, resisted loyalist forces for several hours until the intervention of Russia’s Africa Corps, which provided both ground and aerial support. The Africa Corps, with an estimated 200 to 300 personnel in Niger, is tasked with protecting the junta and supporting the fight against jihadis.
Moscow’s ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, confirmed on Russian media that Niger had sought assistance from the Russian force, and the mutineers were subdued largely due to the Africa Corps’ intervention. The regional Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso and Mali, expressed its full support for Niger and condemned the soldiers’ actions as a betrayal.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
