Niger junta uses Russian Africa Corps to repel attempted coup

An attempted coup in Niger was suppressed with the assistance of Africa Corps, a Russian paramilitary group that succeeded the Wagner Group. During the unrest, mutineers seized a base in the capital, Niamey, and launched attacks on the presidential palace and the airport. Russian personnel provided ground and air support, including the use of armored vehicles and Mi-24 helicopter gunships, to help President Abdourahamane Tchiani’s forces regain control.

The Nigerien military junta has accused France, Chad, and Ivory Coast of involvement in the attempt to destabilize the country. Captain Roger Gabriel, commander of the paratrooper battalion, claimed to have received intelligence regarding French and Chadian special forces preparing to support the rebels. The junta also implicated relatives of former President Mohamed Bazoum in the unrest.

This incident marks a significant challenge for the current military leadership in Niger, which is part of the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. These nations have increasingly moved away from Western security partnerships in favor of deepened cooperation with Moscow to combat regional instability and jihadist movements.