ع
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning and denouncing the events witnessed in Niamey, capital of the Republic of Niger. In the statement the ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s solidarity with the brotherly government and people of Niger in facing any attempt to undermine the country’s security and stability. The ministry added that Saudi Arabia supports all efforts that contribute to preserving the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Niger and protecting its resources from the meddling of rebel groups. It concluded by wishing continued security and prosperity for Niger and its people.
Reuters reported that mutinous soldiers from a base in Niamey along with troops from nearby localities launched assaults early on August 29 targeting the international airport and the presidential palace perimeter. The overnight operation produced hours of gunfire and explosions that temporarily silenced state television and radio. Security sources told the agency that loyalist forces had secured the presidential area by late morning although fighting continued to contest parts of the airport into the afternoon. Analysts attributed underlying military discontent to a jihadist attack in the Dosso region a week earlier that killed 18 soldiers.
Niger’s defence ministry stated that armed forces had progressively regained control of the targeted sites after containing the disturbance. A broadcast on state media called on citizens to stay calm and proceed with normal activities. The mutiny posed a notable challenge to the military-led government that has held power since the 2023 coup.
According to Reuters the West African state continues to battle jihadist factions linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State across the Sahel despite repeated pledges to improve security. Niamey’s airport had already sustained attacks from such groups at least twice earlier in 2026. Security analysts observed that repeated mass-casualty incidents against troops tend to heighten internal tensions within Niger’s armed forces.
The Alliance of Sahel States comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso released a communique voicing full support for Niger’s institutions and praising the republican forces that thwarted the mutiny. Algeria and Turkey conveyed similar messages of solidarity with the authorities in Niamey. The Independent reported that Russian forces stationed in the country assisted loyalist troops in restoring order at the contested locations.
The Saudi Press Agency has carried comparable ministerial statements following previous security incidents in Niger this year. In each case the ministry has reiterated its rejection of terrorism and instability while extending condolences where casualties occurred. The latest expression of support underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and the Niamey government.
