Russia’s Africa Corps Protects Niger Junta During Coup Attempt
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Russia's Africa Corps Protects Niger Junta During Coup Attempt
- Russia's Africa Corps assisted Nigerien loyalist forces in repelling an attempted mutiny at Air Base 101 in Niamey on August 29, 2026.
- This intervention highlights Niger's pivot towards Russia for security support since General Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power in a July 2023 coup.
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In late August 2026, Russia’s Africa Corps played a critical role in helping Niger’s ruling junta suppress an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey. Mutinous soldiers launched an uprising overnight between August 28 and 29, targeting Air Base 101 at Diori Hamani International Airport and other strategic facilities, including the presidential palace. Nigerien authorities requested assistance from Russia’s Africa Corps, a paramilitary organization under the Russian Ministry of Defense that has largely taken over operations from the Wagner Group in Africa.
Russian personnel provided ground and aerial support, including the reported use of drones, enabling loyalist forces to regain control of Air Base 101. The incident underscored the growing reliance of Niger’s military government on Russia for security, a shift that has accelerated since General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Following the 2023 coup, Niger expelled French troops, pushed out US forces, and deepened its security ties with Moscow. Russian Africa Corps personnel first arrived in Niger in April 2024.
While Russia’s Africa Corps has been involved in combating jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region, analysts suggest a primary objective is also to provide “regime protection” for military leadership against internal threats. This recent intervention in Niamey demonstrates Russia’s increasing influence as a security guarantor for military juntas in West Africa. Despite Russia’s support, Niger continues to face significant security challenges from armed groups, with attacks on the Niamey airport reported in both January and June 2026.