The Newshound

Niger's ruling junta crushes a coup attempt with Russian forces after mutineers storm the presidential palace

Armoured vehicles were deployed near the airport as security forces worked to repel the assault and restore order across Niamey.
Armoured vehicles were deployed near the airport as security forces worked to repel the assault and restore order across Niamey.
A mutineer captured during the uprising, which drew soldiers from garrisons as far as Ouallam, Tera and Dosso into the assault on Niamey.
A mutineer captured during the uprising, which drew soldiers from garrisons as far as Ouallam, Tera and Dosso into the assault on Niamey.

Niger's military government has regained full control of Niamey after a 24-hour mutiny in which rebel soldiers attacked the presidential compound and seized an airbase at the capital's airport. The junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, crushed the uprising with the help of Russian Africa Corps paramilitary forces overnight from Friday to Saturday. Several mutineers were killed and others arrested, with television footage showing soldiers surrendering. Life returned to normal in Niamey by Sunday morning, with markets and shops reopening.

The coup attempt was the third violent incident of its kind this year, though the earlier two in January and June involved jihadist attacks on the same airport.

Russia's Africa Corps played a decisive role, backing the junta that has steered Niger away from France and Western partners since Tiani seized power in July 2023.

'What happened was between us Nigeriens,' said one Niamey shopkeeper near the airport. 'Such serious events must never happen again.'

MoreYahoo News UKRussian paramilitary forces help Niger's junta regain control after mutinyYahoo News UKInside the 24-hour mutiny that threatened Niger’s ruling junta and how Russian forces intervenedFinancial TimesNiger regains control of military base after coup attemptYahoo News UKNiamey back to normal after soldier mutinyThe TelegraphSoldiers open fire on Niger’s presidential palace in attempted coupReutersNiger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutinyAPDozens of soldiers killed or arrested after an apparent mutiny in Niger’s capital, state TV reportsReutersRival factions stand off in Niger capital after mutineers attack airport, presidency
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