Niger’s military authorities said on Sunday they had regained control of a strategic airbase in the capital Niamey after an attempted military uprising triggered hours of fighting around key government and military sites.
The fighting began on Saturday when mutinous soldiers attacked Air Base 101, located within the Diori Hamani International Airport complex, and targeted the area around the presidential compound.
Niger’s state broadcaster reported that government forces had retaken the airbase and that dozens of soldiers involved in the uprising had been killed or arrested. The figures could not be independently verified.
The confrontation lasted several hours, with gunfire and explosions reported in parts of the capital. The presidential compound remained under the control of forces loyal to military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, according to reports.
Russian Africa Corps personnel provided aerial and ground support to government forces during the fighting, according to diplomats and analysts cited in reports. Russia has expanded its security cooperation with Niger since the country’s military authorities took power in 2023.
Italy, which maintains a military contingent in Niger, said there were no casualties among its personnel following the clashes. Italy has around 250 troops in the country as part of a bilateral military support mission, according to Italian authorities.
Air Base 101 is a strategically important facility that hosts military aircraft and drones and includes a counterterrorism unit linked to the Alliance of Sahel States, which comprises Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Russian and Italian personnel are also stationed at the facility.
The attempted uprising comes as Niger continues to face attacks by armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, particularly in areas near its borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Reports have pointed to growing pressure on Niger’s armed forces as they contend with persistent insecurity and military casualties. The extent to which such concerns contributed to the latest uprising remains unclear.
Tiani has led Niger’s transitional authorities since the 2023 military takeover that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. Since then, Niger has restructured its security partnerships, including by strengthening cooperation with Russia and working more closely with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.
The three countries have also formed the Alliance of Sahel States and moved away from their previous regional security arrangements with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The latest uprising represents a significant test for the authorities in Niamey, particularly as they seek to maintain cohesion within the armed forces while confronting a persistent security crisis across the Sahel.
