Niger government says mutiny in capital has been contained

Niger's military-led government says it has brought a mutiny in the capital, Niamey, under control after hours of gunfire and explosions around key military and government installations.

The unrest began shortly after midnight on Saturday when renegade soldiers attacked Base 101, a major military facility located within the Diori Hamani International Airport complex. The base had previously been used by United States forces.

The violence later spread to other strategic locations, including the state broadcaster and the presidential palace, with residents reporting sustained gunfire and explosions in parts of the capital.

Niger's Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said a group of soldiers had detained fellow servicemen before opening fire at several sensitive locations.

Security forces were deployed in response and gradually regained control of the affected areas, according to state television and military authorities. The broadcaster was temporarily forced off the air during the fighting.

By late Saturday, authorities said the mutiny had been contained, with dozens of soldiers reportedly killed or arrested.

The ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland urged residents to remain calm, saying the country's defence and security forces had been mobilised to protect the nation.

The reported mutiny represents another serious challenge for Niger's military leadership, which seized power in a coup three years ago. General Abdourahamane Tchiani has since overseen a major shift in the country's foreign and security policy, distancing Niger from Western powers and strengthening ties with Russia.

Despite the closer security relationship with Moscow, Niger continues to face a serious threat from armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), particularly in areas close to its borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Russia's Africa Corps was reportedly asked to assist Nigerien forces in dealing with the mutineers in Niamey, according to Russian Ambassador to Niger Viktor Voropaev, who was quoted by the TASS news agency.

Africa Corps is a Russian state-controlled paramilitary organisation operated under the country's Defence Ministry. It has taken over many of the functions previously carried out by the Wagner Group in Africa.

The whereabouts of General Tchiani were not immediately confirmed following the unrest.

Base 101 is also the headquarters of the unified military command of the Alliance of Sahel States, or AES, which brings together Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The alliance was formed in 2023 as the three countries sought to strengthen cooperation against armed groups operating across the Sahel.

The facility also hosts the headquarters of Africa Corps, which provides security support to governments in the region.

Analysts and security officials said some of the mutineers appeared to be young soldiers from outside Niamey, including personnel from the southwestern regions of Ouallam, Tera and Dosso.

Those areas have experienced heavy fighting and significant military casualties in operations against armed groups, including a regional affiliate of ISIL.

The precise number of soldiers involved in the mutiny and the identity of those who organised it remained unclear.

However, analysts said the reported participation of troops from frontline areas could indicate growing frustration within Niger's military ranks over the continuing violence and heavy losses suffered during the conflict.