Niger says security forces regain control after mutiny in Niamey

Niger’s security forces were battling mutinous soldiers in the capital, Niamey, on August 29th, according to Reuters, after gunfire and explosions were reported around the international airport and the presidential palace.

The mutiny began at a key military base near Diori Hamani International Airport, with soldiers reportedly attacking sensitive sites in the capital. State television and radio were briefly taken off air as security forces responded to the unrest.

Niger’s Defence Ministry later said the armed forces were progressively regaining control of the sites targeted in the attack. However, security sources said some mutinous soldiers remained at the airport, leaving the situation uncertain.

The incident is a new challenge for Niger’s military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who came to power after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Reportedly, the mutiny involved soldiers from areas including Ouallam, Tera and Dosso, where Nigerien forces have suffered heavy casualties fighting armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Furthermore, this unrest comes amid continuing pressure on the military government over the country’s deteriorating security situation.

Niamey’s airport has also been targeted by armed groups twice this year. Islamic State militants attacked the airport complex in January, while an attack linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, took place in June.

Niger has been governed by the military since the 2023 coup and has since moved away from traditional Western allies while strengthening ties with Russia.

The country has also joined neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The latest unrest raises further questions about the stability of Niger’s military government and its ability to address both internal divisions and the persistent armed insurgency affecting the country.

Reuters, Al Jazeera and agencies, Maghrebi