Niger: Rebellion Widens Within Army as Units Join, Threatening to Repeat 2023 Coup Scenario

According to African sources, the attempted coup in Niger reveals growing cracks within the military, as rebels continue to hold control over Air Base 101, and soldiers from Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso have joined the movement, coinciding with the defection of National Gendarmerie commander Kimba Tahiro, while the Presidential Guard attempts to regain control.

The sources told "Erem News" that the danger of the developments lies in the mounting anger within the military, significant losses suffered against terrorist groups, and rebels betting on the defection of officers and security leaders, which could transform the movement into an internal crisis threatening the cohesion of the military institution.

This attempt brings back the scenario of July 2023, placing President Tchiani under renewed test in a country already isolated regionally, making the situation extend beyond Niamey.

The sources explained that the situation remains tense in the capital Niamey following the coup attempt carried out by "rebels," including elements from special forces, noting that the Presidential Guard, which repelled an attack on the presidential palace, has so far tried to regain control of the air base where the rebels are stationed.

They added that reinforcements have arrived from within the country, though it is unclear which side they support; meanwhile, a Russian military unit and an Italian unit remain outside the conflict, and the official television station is expected to announce, within hours—specifically around 20:30 local time—the entity now governing the country.

They pointed out that despite intervention by certain parties to contain the situation and assist in negotiations between the two sides, defections continue; notably, Colonel Major Kimba Tahiro, commander of the National Gendarmerie, defected and joined the rebels, calling on all forces to unite.

The sources said that although the Ministry of Defense announced containment of the rebellion and restoration of control over sensitive sites, fighting in Niamey has not ended, and the conflict continues between army units and the Presidential Guard loyal to military council head Abdou Rachid Tchiani, confirming that rebels still control the air base in Niamey.

Details of the Coup Attempt

According to sources, the coup attempt was carried out by a group of ground military forces, later joined by special forces units, followed by the subsequent joining of National Gendarmerie forces.

The rebel soldiers named themselves the "Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Homeland," and in a recorded audio message, declared the dissolution of state institutions, the removal of President Tchiani from office, imposed a curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM local time, and announced the closure of land and air borders with neighboring countries.

According to sources, the rebel forces control at least three major military barracks in the capital Niamey, including Air Base 101, located near the Niamey International Airport and of great strategic importance, housing a Russian unit from the African Corps and an Italian unit tasked with training Nigerien armed forces, both committed to neutrality.

Growing Anger Within the Military

The sources confirmed that government claims of full control "do not reflect the actual field situation," pointing to rising resentment within the military, with accusations against Tchiani of weakening the military institution in favor of the Presidential Guard.

The Presidential Guard enjoys better arms and broader privileges, while regular army units suffer from inadequate equipment and resources; anger has intensified after a series of defeats and heavy human losses incurred by the army in recent months during clashes with terrorist groups.

The Ministry of Defense had previously announced containment of a "limited rebellion" that began with the detention of military personnel inside Base 101 and attacks on sensitive sites, urging residents to continue their normal activities.

Similarly, informed Nigerian sources stated that the coup attempt is ongoing, and "there are currently no field indicators suggesting its containment," contrary to the Ministry of Defense’s announcement of gradual reestablishment of control over targeted locations.

They added to "Erem News" that evidence suggests rebels are counting on the defection of senior officers and security commanders before declaring the movement's outcome, confirming that signs of potential splits are beginning to emerge.

Outlines of the 2023 Coup Scenario

They noted that defections among high-ranking leadership would mark the first major shift in security command structure, potentially encouraging other officers and units to join the movement, echoing some aspects of the July 2023 coup against President Mohamed Bazoum.

The sources confirmed that soldiers from Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso have joined the rebellion originating from Base 101 in Niamey.

The sources concluded by emphasizing that the army is in a state of anger after suffering heavy losses in confrontations with ISIS-affiliated groups, amid growing frustration over the government's management of the security file.

In response to these events, Muhammad Ali Kellani, director of the Center for Sahel Conflict Studies, said what happened in Niger brings back the 2023 coup scenario, following a new coup attempt targeting the heart of Niamey, marked by fierce fighting and gunfire near the airport, the presidency, and the radio and television headquarters.

Kellani told "Erem News" that initial data indicate the perpetrators are junior officers rebelling against General Abdou Rachid Tchiani, belonging to the Zarma ethnic group, strongly represented in the military and security agencies, along with elements from Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso in the southwest.

He considered this attempt confirmation of the continued fragility of military rule in Niger more than three years after the ousting of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, noting that the crisis triggering a rupture with ECOWAS and the African Union, prompting Paris to withdraw 1,500 troops, remains unresolved, while Washington continues reviewing its military presence.

Kellani concluded by stressing that Niger thus remains the third link in a chain of coups in the Sahel after Mali and Burkina Faso, warning that failure of today’s attempt does not necessarily mean stability for Tchiani, and may instead signal the start of a wave of instability within the military institution itself.