Russian Paramilitaries Aid Niger in Repelling Mutiny as France Draws Blame

Renegade soldiers attacked Niamey's airport and presidential palace on August 29. Niger's army, backed by Russian paramilitaries called the Africa Corps, contained the revolt. Niger then accused France of orchestrating it; Paris dismissed the claim as "pure fantasy." The episode underscores how Russian actors now anchor Niger's security after France withdrew 1,500 troops following the 2023 coup.