Niger regains control of Niamey military base after attempted coup

Niger’s army has regained control of a key military airbase in the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers launched an attack that threatened the country’s military government, according to Reuters on August 30th.

The unrest began on August 29th when gunfire and explosions were reported around the military airbase, located within the complex of Diori Hamani International Airport, and near the presidential palace. State television and radio were also briefly taken off the air.

Niger’s Defence Ministry said security forces were working to restore control after soldiers attacked what it described as sensitive sites.

By August 30th, government forces had retaken the airbase following several hours of fighting.

The attempted coup represents one of the most serious challenges to General Abdourahamane Tiani’s military government since it seized power in the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

State media reported that several mutineers had been arrested, while other reports said some soldiers were killed during the fighting; the exact number of casualties remained unclear.

The unrest comes as Niger’s armed forces continue to face pressure from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Soldiers from areas including Ouallam, Tera and Dosso, which have experienced severe militant violence, were reportedly among those involved in the mutiny.

The military base is strategically important because it hosts Nigerien military aircraft and drones, as well as a counter-terrorism unit belonging to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Russian and Italian personnel are also stationed at the site; Russia’s Africa Corps assisted Nigerien forces in suppressing the mutiny after being asked to help, according to Russian and other officials.

Algeria also demonstrated support for Niger’s military government, while Mali and Burkina Faso expressed solidarity with Niamey.

The attempted coup highlights the growing pressure on Niger’s military government as it struggles to contain armed insurgencies while maintaining control within its own security forces.

Niger’s junta has sought close ties with Russia since seizing power and has distanced Niger from Western partners and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have instead strengthened their cooperation through the AES.

The situation in Niamey appeared calmer on August 30, but the mutiny has raised fresh questions about divisions within Niger’s military and the government’s ability to address the country’s worsening security crisis.

Reuters, AP News, Maghrebi.