Niger says mutinying soldiers launched coup attempt

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   Niger security forces contain mutiny and coup attempt

   Niger's security forces have contained a coup attempt involving mutinying soldiers who attacked the presidential palace and airport in Niamey. The ruling military junta regained control of the airbase following the 24-hour uprising. Dozens of soldiers are now under arrest. Russia claims its forces intervened to help repel the attempt. While the capital appears calm, the event has shaken the stability of the current junta.

   Why it matters

   The mutiny targeted the military government currently ruling Niger. This instability occurs amidst a complex security environment where the junta maintains ties with Russian forces.

   What is confirmed

   • Niger security forces contained a coup attempt.
   • Mutinying soldiers attacked the presidential palace and airport.
   • The government regained control of the airbase.
   • Dozens of soldiers were arrested following the attempt in Niamey.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia helped repel the attempted coup.
   • The mutiny lasted 24 hours.

   What to watch next

   • Official statements regarding the motives of the mutinying soldiers
   • Confirmation of the specific role and scale of Russian military intervention
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Financial Times — Niger says its security forces have ‘contained’ a coup attempt
   2. The New York Times — Soldiers in Niger Attack Presidential Palace and Airport, Shaking Junta
   3. Reuters — Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny
   4. BBC — Russia says it helped to repel Niger attempted coup
   5. TribLIVE.com — Inside the 24-hour mutiny that threatened Niger’s ruling junta and how Russian forces intervened
   6. apnews.com — Inside the 24-hour mutiny that threatened Niger’s ruling junta and how Russian forces intervened
   7. www.aljazeera.com — Dozens of soldiers arrested after apparent coup attempt in Niger’s capital
   confidence 90%