Niger's Military Junta Survives Attempted Coup by Its Own Soldiers in Niamey
The Presidential Palace of Niger in Niamey, one of the sites targeted in the attempted uprising (file photo, January 2025). Photo: Adèlekiema, public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Niger's ruling junta under Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani put down an attempted uprising by army units in the capital Niamey in late August, with Russian-backed forces retaking a captured air base after hours of fighting.
Niger's military junta survived an attempted uprising by its own soldiers on August 29, 2026, when army units, including special forces personnel, attacked several key sites in the capital Niamey, among them the presidential palace, Air Base 101, the national television station and a hotel.
Junta leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani's Presidential Guard held off most of the attacks, while other army units were reported to be divided or to have stayed neutral during the unrest. Loyalist forces, backed by roughly 200 Russian Africa Corps soldiers with drone support, retook Air Base 101 later that day after pro-coup soldiers had briefly seized part of it and held some Russian personnel.
Authorities say at least 27 people were killed and more than 100 suspected mutineers arrested in the clashes. The junta, which took power in a 2023 coup and has since leaned on Russian military support, accused France, the United Arab Emirates and unnamed neighboring countries of backing the plot, without providing evidence.
The attempted uprising is the most serious internal challenge Tiani's junta has faced since it seized power, and analysts say it points to growing discontent within Niger's armed forces over battlefield losses to jihadist groups and perceived favoritism toward the Presidential Guard.