Niger accuses France of backing failed mutiny, thanks Russia for support

Niger’s authorities have accused France of provoking and supporting an attempted mutiny in the country, while thanking Russia for its assistance in restoring stability.

“The operation with international repercussions was provoked and supported by a broad network... headed by the French regime of Mr Macron,” Nigerien government spokesman Soumana Boubacar said.

The Nigerien government also thanked other friendly countries, including Algeria and the Sahel states, saying they had demonstrated solidarity with the people of Niger and its institutions from the outset.

Niger has been ruled by a military government since a 2023 coup brought the armed forces to power. In late August 2026, the country was hit by an attempted mutiny in which young soldiers dissatisfied with the situation in Niger sought to overthrow the government. The mutineers targeted the presidential palace, an airport and the national television station.

The uprising was ultimately suppressed with the assistance of Russia’s Africa Corps, a force operating under Russia’s Defence Ministry. Current reporting confirms that Russian personnel helped Nigerien forces regain control of the strategic Air Base 101 at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport after the mutiny.

By Tamilla Hasanova