Russia’s Africa Corps has emerged as a key force behind Niger’s military junta after Russian personnel helped government forces retake a strategic military base during an attempted coup in Niamey.
Niger turned to Russia’s Africa Corps for assistance after an attempted mutiny at a strategically important military base in the capital, highlighting the growing role of Moscow in the country's security architecture.
The attempted uprising unfolded overnight between August 28 and 29, when a group of Nigerien military personnel reportedly tried to confine fellow soldiers to their barracks at Air Base 101, located at Niamey International Airport.
The mutineers also opened fire at several strategic facilities in the capital.
Nigerien security forces subsequently regained control of the affected facilities, according to Defence Minister Salifou Modi, while the Niger Press Agency reported that normal activity was gradually returning to Niamey.
