Niger Niamey political unrest August 2026
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Algeria sent fighter jets to Niger to thwart coup attempt, president says
Niger's Prime Minister Zeine met President Tebboune in Algeria on August 26-27 as head of a high-level ministerial delegation aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
The Algerian Ministry of Defence said the warplanes were deployed at the request of Nigerien authorities on a mission to support the Nigerien army in confronting an attempt to destabilise Niger.
Niger's Minister of Defence General Salifou Modi announced that a group of military personnel attempted to detain colleagues at Air Base 101 and opened fire on strategic locations in the capital.
US approves $414M uranium investment in Niger
US Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon urged Washington to rebuild ties with Niger and back the project.
In 2024, the United States agreed to withdraw about 1,000 troops from Niger.
Global Atomic has been exploring alternative routes to export uranium from Niger due to security risks.
Niger mutiny exposes growing reliance on Russia
Ryan Cummings, head analyst at Signal Risk, said the attempted mutiny was rooted in grievances building inside the military.
On August 29, soldiers calling themselves the Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Homeland attacked Air Base 101 at Niamey's international airport, the presidential palace and the national broadcaster in a coordinated assault.
Romane Dideberg said the mutiny calls the effectiveness and sincerity of the mutual assistance pact into question.
Niger military government reshuffles army command after deadly mutiny
RFI reported that General Ismael K Sidi Omar was named the new second-in-command of the general staff.
According to Niger's Ministry of Defence, mostly young soldiers took fellow servicemen hostage and opened fire on several sensitive sites during the mutiny.
Tchiani's government seized power in July 2023 from elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains in detention.
Niger military accuses France of orchestrating failed mutiny
Niger's military government accused France of orchestrating a failed mutiny in Niamey on August 29.
Renegade soldiers detained comrades and opened fire at sensitive sites in Niamey during the mutiny.
Benin's government rejected Niger's accusations of involvement in the mutiny.
France denies inciting failed Niger mutiny
Benin's government rejected Niger's claim that it backed the attack.
The mutiny began at Base 101, a military facility inside Niamey's international airport, when soldiers turned on their commanders and opened fire at several sites in the city.
State media said hundreds of soldiers took part in the mutiny, and dozens were killed or arrested.
Niger accuses France of orchestrating failed military mutiny
Niger has blamed France for inciting an attack on a key military airbase by mutinous soldiers.
Clashes erupted at an airbase in Niger's capital during an attempted mutiny.
A military junta has ruled Niger since 2023.
Niger military regaining control after attempted mutiny
Niger's military says it is regaining control after a mutiny in Niamey.
General Abdourahamane Tiani broke with Western partners.
General Abdourahamane Tiani promised security after seizing power.
Coup Attempt Repelled Following Gunfire in Niamey, Niger
The Alliance of Sahel States described the coup attempt as a betrayal by soldiers attempting destabilisation.
Air Base 101 is part of the Diori Hamani airport complex.
Russia stated that its forces helped to repel an attempted coup in Niger.
“persons who have received significant training, both within and outside [the military] are now occupying political positions and are not in the front line where they are needed to address the complex security challenges facing the country”
Gunfire and blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey
Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niamey early on Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses.
A security source told Reuters that "terrorists" attacked Diori Hamani international airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim said on Facebook that attackers targeted Base 101 in Niamey but security forces regained control.