World
Niger: Army's internal divisions weaken Tiani's grip on armed groups
Niger faces growing instability as military unrest following a failed coup attempt undermines government efforts against extremist groups and strengthens Russian influence.
The Nigerien authorities have opened a front to counter military unity, amid soldiers tasked with fighting militants being implicated in a failed coup attempt, weakening the government's campaign against extremist fronts and spotlighting Russian presence.
Following the recent coup attempt and ongoing arrests of soldiers and suspects, the ruling council has mobilized its forces to cover shortages in personnel at sensitive border locations, while some commanders were transferred from the front lines to Niamey under tight security.
Arrests of those involved in the attempted coup have continued in recent days in Niger, more than a week after the failed August 28–29 coup attempt against General Abdourahmane Tiani. Nigerien authorities have not released any official figures regarding the fate of the detainees.
"A large number"
Nigerien sources reported that a sergeant was arrested about 100 kilometers from Niamey and transported under guard to the capital, according to a regional security source.
Another source speaking to radio station "ARV" said the number of arrested soldiers is "large," referring to hundreds, especially from special forces units.
A general close to General Tiani heads the investigative committee handling the case.
Other soldiers have not returned to their posts since the coup attempt, with sources indicating "a high likelihood of multiple desertions."
Defense Minister Salifou Modi described the rebels as soldiers who "violated military regulations."
The concern expressed by numerous sources stems from accumulated frustrations within certain army branches, particularly units that have been engaged for long periods in combating extremists.
Thus, Nigerien authorities now face two distinct fronts: fighting armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda, and managing this internal division within the military.
Armed fighters continued launching attacks, especially in the regions of Tillabéri and Dossou.
Some of these attacks have resulted in numerous casualties among security forces.
One of the main justifications the Nigerien military gave for the July 2023 coup, which brought Tiani to power, was the deteriorating security situation and the inability of Niger's civilian authorities—led by elected President Mohamed Bazoum—to address it.
The government held its first cabinet meeting dedicated to the events on Friday, September 4, acknowledging for the first time the existence of civilian casualties. It continues to accuse opponents of "attempted destabilization."
Military support
The Nigerien authorities have received support from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Russia, with reports indicating that Russian forces from the Africa Corps helped ensure General Tiani's safety during the coup attempt.
Niamey continues efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow, having hosted Russian ambassador Viktor Vorobiev, who leads the country since the July 2023 coup.
The Nigerian news agency reported that the meeting focused on bilateral relations between the two countries. The Russian ambassador stated he conveyed Moscow’s solidarity with Nigerien authorities and people following the events of the night of August 28–29.
The Russian ambassador in Niger publicly acknowledged the intervention over the weekend, stating that his country’s forces helped "suppress the rebellion."
This meeting comes amid rising tensions between Niger and France. Since severing ties with Paris and withdrawing French troops from the country, Niamey has radically reoriented its foreign policy.
Russia has become one of the key partners of the Nigerien government, particularly in the security sector.
However, opposition figures planning to challenge the military governments in Niamey may now need to factor in the presence of Russian forces in their calculations.
Like Mali and Burkina Faso, Tiani’s government has drawn much of its legitimacy from concepts of African sovereignty, continental unity, and liberation from former colonial powers.
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