Kathmandu— Gunfire and explosions erupted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Saturday as renegade soldiers launched a mutiny targeting military and government installations, including an international airport and the presidential palace. The military-led government quickly claimed it had contained the unrest after hours of fighting, reporting dozens killed or arrested, but the incident highlights ongoing instability within the country three years after a coup brought the current leadership to power. The mutiny appears to stem from frustrations among frontline troops battling armed groups despite the government’s pivot towards closer security ties with Russia and distancing from Western partners like France and the United States.

Timeline of Recent Unrest

Since seizing power in July 2023, Niger's military government has faced a series of escalating challenges. Regional bloc ECOWAS imposed sanctions and threatened intervention following the coup, but Tchiani proposed a three-year transition period. In September 2023, Niger joined forces with Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), while France agreed to withdraw its ambassador and 1,500 troops. Further straining relations, Niger suspended its military pact with the US in September 2024, leading to the withdrawal of American troops and closure of key air bases used for counterterrorism operations. Attacks by armed groups have continued throughout this period, culminating in a deadly assault on Niamey airport in June 2026 that killed eleven soldiers and two civilians.

Roots of the Mutiny

The mutiny appears to have been carried out by younger soldiers originating from areas heavily impacted by fighting with armed groups, particularly those from Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso. Analysts suggest this points to growing frustration within the military ranks due to heavy casualties and a perceived lack of adequate support. Heni Nsaibia, senior West Africa analyst at Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), noted that “These mass-casualty overrun attacks on the Nigerien military are becoming commonplace and will continue to fuel unrest and aggravate tensions within the army ranks.” The government invoked increasing armed violence as justification for the 2023 coup but has struggled to quell ongoing attacks despite forging closer ties with Russia.

International Response

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, swiftly expressed support for Niger’s military leadership, stating that the mutineers had been “contained and thwarted” and characterizing the incident as a destabilisation plot. Algeria also voiced its solidarity with Niger, while Turkiye called for restraint and a swift return to calm. Russia's Africa Corps, which replaced the Wagner Group in supporting Sahel states, reportedly received a request from Niger’s government for assistance in neutralising the mutineers.

The whereabouts of military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani remain unconfirmed as authorities assess the full extent of the attempted mutiny and address underlying grievances within the armed forces. Experts suggest that addressing deep-rooted socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and security challenges will be crucial to preventing future unrest.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.