Is Russia proving better at protecting friends than fighting enemies in West Africa?
Summary
Russian forces called Africa Corps helped Niger’s government stop a mutiny at a military base in Niamey last weekend. This shows Russia’s growing role in protecting military rulers in Niger and other Sahel countries, beyond just fighting extremist groups.Key Facts
- Mutinous soldiers tried to seize a key military base in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
- Russia’s Africa Corps supported Nigerien loyalist forces to retake the base.
- Africa Corps is controlled by Russia’s defense ministry and has about 200-300 troops in Niger.
- Russia’s ambassador confirmed Russian forces helped stop the mutiny.
- Africa Corps also helped repel an extremist attack at the same airport in January 2024.
- The military government in Niger is reliant on Russia for security as jihadist violence continues.
- Military leaders in Niger took power in a 2023 coup, blaming previous civilian leaders and Western partners for failing to control the violence.
- Inside Niger’s military, some soldiers feel they lack sufficient support and equipment to fight ongoing insurgent attacks.
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