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2026 Nigerien coup attempt

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2026 Nigerien coup attempt
Date28–29 August 2026 (1 day)
Location
Niamey, Niger
Result Coup failure[4]
Belligerents
 File:Flag of niger armed forces rev.jpg Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Fatherland[1][2][3]
Commanders and leaders
 File:Flag of niger armed forces rev.jpg Unknown
Units involved
 File:Flag of niger armed forces rev.jpg Dissident factions of the Niger Armed Forces
Casualties and losses
3+ Presidential Guardsmen killed Several killed or captured

On 28–29 August 2026, a mutinous faction of the Niger Armed Forces calling themselves the Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Fatherland attempted a coup against President Abdourahamane Tiani in the country's capital Niamey. Gunfire and explosions were reported near the Diori Hamani International Airport, the Presidential Palace, and headquarters of the Office of Radio and Television of Niger. The coup attempt, which state media said was repelled, is believed to have been carried out by young officers within the Nigerien military opposed to the rule of President Tiani.

Background

Niger has undergone six coups d'etat since gaining independence from France in 1960. The most recent coup in 2023 ousted Mohamed Bazoum, the country's first democratically elected leader to succeed a similarly democratically elected leader. It led to the installation of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), a military junta headed by Abdourahamane Tiani, who later became the country's president in 2025. The coup, which occurred in the context of a larger series of coups in Africa, triggered a diplomatic confrontation with the transnational West African organization of ECOWAS, of which Niger was a part.[5][6]

Paul Melly, an expert on Francophone Africa at Chatham House, stated that many young members of the officer corps are not content with Tiani's rule, stating that "the young officers, if it is them, would be saying: 'Three years ago it was getting better, but look at things now'". In recent years, the country has seen an increase in insurgent activity from the Islamic State's Sahel Province, as well as from al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. Both groups had launched two attacks on the Diori Hamani International Airport in the year prior.[7][8]

A major issue within the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) leading up to the mutiny was the discrepancy between the Presidential Guard (GP) and average FAN units. Prior to seizing power in 2023, Tiani was in charge of the Presidential Guard for twelve years.[9] His closeness with the GP meant that the unit received better equipment and better locations compared to average FAN units on the frontlines against ISSP and JNIM, which suffered heavy casualties.[10][failed verification]

Coup attempt

Over the night of 28–29 August,[11][12] explosions and gunfire were heard in the Nigerien capital of Niamey, continuing through the morning.[8][13] Engagements occurred near the Diori Hamani International Airport, the Presidential Palace, and the headquarters of the Office of Radio and Television of Niger.[14] Witnesses reported a "heavy exchange of gunfire",[15] and initial reports suggested there was an attempted coup d'état.[16] They fired on "sensitive sites" for hours, including an air force base near the airport known as Base 101, which hosts the Russian Ministry of Defence's Africa Corps paramilitary organization and command of the Alliance of Sahel States, composed of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.[17][12] The coup plotters reportedly held Africa Corps mercenaries hostage,[18] and videos online showed armored vehicles being deployed to reinforce the area near the airport.[19] Russia's Africa Corps provided aerial and ground support to the Nigerien government.[20] The Republican Guard, another well-armed unit in the army, was not known to have taken a side until the end of the coup attempt.[10]

The mutineers also attacked the Nigerien presidency, but this attack was repulsed.[21] Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a Nigerien lawmaker and AES parliament member, later claimed that security forces had regained control of the airport; security forces also stated that "terrorists" attacked the airport and attempted to breach the presidential security perimeter,[19][22] and that some attackers were "neutralized", while others fled,[23] and that security forces had launched search operations.[13] The Nigerien Armed Forces, as well as armored vehicles were deployed to the capital,[11][19] and the government of Niger issued statements on X and Facebook, urging calm and warned against spreading unverified rumors while security forces continue their operations.[24][25][better source needed][26][better source needed] Multiple civilians were injured, though an official casualty toll has not been issued.[16][27] The signal to Télé Sahel was also cut off during the attack.[28][29]

A statement from a group calling themselves the Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Homeland (FARP) began to circulate on 29 August; it said that Abdourahamane Tiani was no longer in power.[citation needed] The assault involved soldiers from Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso in the southwest of the country;[19] the government stated that the coup attempt had been undertaken by young officers who were disgruntled with the Tiani regime. A unit from Dosso that fought against Tiani's forces was called Agali.[10] A source for the Financial Times (FT) stated that the putschists had seized control of the airport (and the Turkish drones present there), the state television broadcaster, and national radio. However, the putschists issued no official statement regarding their goals.[10] The FT also reported that a diplomat had stated that the government was able to reassert control of downtown Niamey.[7]

By the evening, according to security, members of Niger's Presidential Guard supported by Russian forces, who utilized Kamikaze drones,[30] had recaptured the air base, killing some of the mutineers.[31][32]

Aftermath

After briefly suspending operations, state television resumed broadcasting later in the day, where General Salifou Modi stated that the situation was under control.[33] The Nigerien government requested assistance from Russia's Africa Corps,[34] and Niger's Presidential Guard later regained control of Base 101.[4][35] On 30 August, Algeria deployed military aircraft including four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Niamey, which Niger described as "strategic support".[36] On 31 August, the Nigerien authorities held a funeral for three Presidential Guard members killed in the mutiny.[37]

The Nigerien government seized 382 AK-47 rifles, 36 RPG-7 rocket launchers, 30 PKM machine guns, six 12.7mm caliber weapons, four 14.5mm caliber weapons, four Dragunov sniper rifles, an 82mm mortar, 17 "automatic pistols", 34 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, two light armored vehicles, one of which was destroyed, several dozen motorcycles, and several "crates of ammunition, dozens of magazines, and communication devices" from the mutineers.[38][39]

In an interview with RFI, Sahel expert Yvan Guaichoua said that the Russian intervention was crucial to keeping Tiani's regime in power, saying "I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the Russians saved the day."[10]

On 11 September, Tiani replaced military chief of staff Moussa Salaou Barmou with Mamane Sani Kiaou, with no official reason given.[40]

Reactions

The ruling military junta, the CNSP, called for unity, and later accused France, Benin, and Chad of being involved in the coup attempt.[41] Bana Wagana Ibrahim described the coup as cowardly.[42] The Association of Traditional Chiefs of Niger and Coalition of Trade Unions of Niger condemned the coup attempt,[43][44] and in Dogondoutchi and Niamey, pro-government rallies were held.[45] Some demonstrators in Niamey waved Russian flags.[46]

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) stated the alliance had been the target of "betrayal by a group of soldiers" involved in a "destabilization plot" that was ultimately "contained and thwarted".[47] The other members of the AES, Burkina Faso and Mali, condemned the attempted coup and expressed support for Tiani's government.[48] Russia's Ministry of Defence confirmed that it had been involved in suppressing the coup attempt, providing Nigerien forces with ground and aerial support.[48]

Algeria's government stated its "full solidarity and firm support" to Niger, and that it "view[s] overcoming this ordeal and promoting a rapid return to stability" in Niger.[34] Egypt stated that it was closely following the events in Niger, reaffirming its support for Niger's stability, security and territorial integrity.[49] The Government of National Unity of Libya expressed support for Niger's stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning of regional security risks in the Sahel region in light of the events.[50] The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "views with deep concern the current political and security situation" in Niger and that it is "keenly desirous to see that peace, security, democracy and development reign supreme in the country".[3]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar condemned the coup attempt and expressed support for Niger's "legitimate measures" aimed at preserving its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.[51] The Turkish government stated that it calls for "restraint" and the "preservation of security and stability in Niger", hopes that "calm will be restored as soon as possible", and that Turkey "stand[s] in solidarity with Niger and support[s] its people".[47][52]

References

  1. ↑ "'tiani Is No Longer Head Of State': Niger's Army Declares A New Coup As The Junta It Built Turns On Itself". Modern Ghana. 29 August 2026.
  2. ↑ "Attempted Coup: Niger junta still in control, but situation remains tense". Premium Times. 30 August 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Nigeria Condemns Niger Coup Attempt, Urges Return To Constitutional Rule". First Daily News. 30 August 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ekanem, Solomon (29 August 2026). "Russia's Africa Corps emerges key actor as Niger repels coup attempt at base linked to 1,000 tonnes of uranium". Business Insider Africa. Archived from the original on 18 April 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "Niger's Bazoum 'held by guards' in apparent coup attempt". Al Jazeera. 26 July 2023. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  6. ↑ Luke, Daramola (4 August 2023). "Analysis: Is ECOWAS set to take on Niger militarily?". The Informant247. Kwara, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Pilling, David; Judah, Jacob (29 August 2026). "Niger says mutinying soldiers launched coup attempt". Financial Times. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Rennolds, Nathan (29 August 2026). "Heavy gunfire in Niger capital as clashes reported at presidential palace". Euronews. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Putschist faces his own mutiny". Africa Confidential. Archived from the original on 16 March 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 "Niger coup attempt: 'Russians saved the day' analyst tells RFI". RFI. 31 August 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Niger : nuit agitée à Niamey après des tirs et des détonations dans plusieurs quartiers de la capitale" [Niger: Restless night in Niamey after gunfire and explosions in several neighborhoods of the capital]. ActuNiger (in français). 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Niger: Gunfire and explosions heard in Niamey". The Africa Report. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Mutinous soldiers attack airport, presidency in Niger capital". Reuters. 28 August 2026.
  14. ↑ "Reports of gunfire near military base in Niger's capital". Africanews. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  15. ↑ "إطلاق نار وانفجارات تهز عاصمة النيجر قرب القصر الرئاسي" [Gunfire and explosions rock Niger's capital near the presidential palace]. Al Arabiya (in العربية). 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Omirin, Olatunji (29 August 2026). "Heavy gunfire in Nigerien capital, Niamey". BusinessDay. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "Niger's military regime 'gradually regaining control' from mutinous soldiers". France 24. 29 August 2026. Archived from the original on 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  18. ↑ Jammeh, Saikou (29 August 2026). "Soldiers in Niger Attack Presidential Palace and Airport, Shaking Junta". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "Gunfire, blasts heard in attempted mutiny in Niger's capital Niamey". Al Jazeera. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Dozens of soldiers killed in Niger". The Korea Herald. Yonhap. 30 August 2026. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "How Niger's Tiani suppressed an attempted coup". The Africa Report. Jeune Afrique. 31 August 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Attackers target Niger's Niamey airport and presidency perimeter, sources say". Arab News. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "Niger: l'aéroport et la Base 101 attaqués à Niamey, des assaillants recherchés" [Niger: Airport and Base 101 attacked in Niamey, assailants wanted]. Exclusif.net (in français). Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Di attack for Niamey na attempted coup but under control – Niger authorities tok". BBC News Pidgin. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  25. ↑ @NigerAr (29 August 2026). "🚨 Les affrontements se poursuivent toujours. Nous appelons chacun à ne pas céder aux rumeurs ni aux récits non officiels. Nos forces continuent d'agir avec une parfaite efficacité et maîtrisent la situation avec courage et bravoure" (Tweet) (in français). Retrieved 29 August 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  26. ↑ CNSP (29 August 2026). "#CNSP #Niger #TianipourlaRefondation". Facebook. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  27. ↑ "Gunfire and explosions rock Niger's capital". The National. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  28. ↑ "Au Niger, le régime militaire dit 'reprendre progressivement le contrôle' face aux mutins". France 24 (in français). 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  29. ↑ "Niger: des tirs et des détonations entendus dans plusieurs quartiers de Niamey, le signal de la télévision nationale coupée" [Niger: Gunfire and explosions heard in several neighborhoods of Niamey, national television signal cut off]. TV5Monde (in français).
  30. ↑ Adegboyega, Ayodeji (14 September 2026). "Niger replaces military chief after Russian kamikaze drones help crush 24-hour mutiny". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  31. ↑ "Niger junta regains control after mutiny with help from Russian paramilitary forces". France 24. 29 August 2026. Archived from the original on 29 August 2026. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  32. ↑ "В Нигере солдаты подняли мятеж. По данным The New York Times, они несколько часов удерживали в заложниках российских военных" [Soldiers staged a mutiny in Niger. According to The New York Times, they held Russian military personnel hostage for several hours.]. Meduza (in русский). Archived from the original on 30 August 2026. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  33. ↑ "Niger says military activity in Niamey brought under control". Anadolu Agency. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Niger's defense ministry says soldiers attempted mutiny". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 31 August 2026. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  35. ↑ "Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny". Reuters. 30 August 2026. Retrieved 30 August 2026.
  36. ↑ Ekanem, Solomon (30 August 2026). "Algerian SU-30 fighter jets, aerial refueling tanker land in Niger as allies rally behind junta after coup attempt". Business Insider Africa. Archived from the original on 31 August 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
  37. ↑ Asadu, Chinedu (31 August 2026). "Russia cements its role as Africa junta protector after helping quell Niger's mutiny". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  38. ↑ Adamou, Hamza Harouna (3 September 2026). "Tentative de destabilisation du Niger : D'importantes quantités d'armes et de matériels de guerre récupérées après la mutinerie". Agence Nigérienne de Presse (in français). Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  39. ↑ "Niger coup attempt update: Nigerien army find large weapons for Base 101 afta attempted mutiny". BBC News Pidgin. 3 September 2026. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
  40. ↑ "Niger's junta leader appoints new head of military following mutiny". Associated Press. 12 September 2026. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  41. ↑ "Niger military accuses France of orchestrating failed coup: What to know". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  42. ↑ "Niger's security forces battle mutinous soldiers in the capital". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 29 August 2026. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  43. ↑ Adamou, Hamza Harouna (3 September 2026). "Tentative de destabilisation : L'Association des Chefs Traditionnels du Niger exhorte la population à une résilience patriotique absolue". Agence Nigérienne de Presse (in français). Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  44. ↑ Adamou, Hamza Harouna (8 September 2026). "La Coalition des Centrales Syndicales du Niger condamne fermement les évènements survenus dans la nuit du 28 au 29 Août à Niamey". Agence Nigérienne de Presse (in français). Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  45. ↑ Karimou, Salissou Soumana (8 September 2026). "Dogondoutchi : Marche citoyenne et meeting de soutien au CNSP et aux FDS". Agence Nigérienne de Presse (in français). Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  46. ↑ Mom, Claire (2 September 2026). "Thousands rally in Niger capital to back military leader after failed coup". TheCable. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Attacks on Niger airport and presidential palace: Heavy gunshots and explosions for Niger - Wetin we know". BBC News Pidgin. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Okebiorun, Olamilekan (30 August 2026). "Niger fights off latest coup plot with support from Russia, Algeria, and Sahel bloc allies". Business Insider Africa. Archived from the original on 31 August 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  49. ↑ "Egypt expresses support for Niger amid unrest, stresses state unity - Foreign Affairs - Egypt". Ahram Online. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  50. ↑ "Libya reaffirms support for Niger's stability, warns of regional security risks | The Libya Observer". Libya Observer. 31 August 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  51. ↑ "Qatar condemns Iran attacks, al-Aqsa storming, Niger unrest". Gulf Times. 1 September 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  52. ↑ "No: 167, 29 August 2026, Regarding the Acts of Violence in Niger". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey). Archived from the original on 30 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
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