The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has condemned a military uprising in Niger’s capital Niamey as “treason”, praising the courage and professionalism of loyal forces that repelled attacks on strategic locations.
In a Saturday statement signed by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, whose country currently holds the AES rotating presidency, the bloc said it was fully committed and mobilised alongside Niger and shared its determination to fight for sovereignty and peace.
Heavy weapons fire began at 00:20 local time on Saturday, with clashes concentrated around several strategically important locations in the capital. These included the district housing the Presidential Palace, the airport area, where Air Base 101 is located, and the headquarters of the Russian partners of the Africa Corps and the General Staff of the Unified Force of the AES Confederation.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, loyal units responded swiftly and succeeded in stopping the uprising. Government troops, supported by Russian allies, retook Air Base 101 on Saturday afternoon after insurgents barricaded themselves inside. Dozens of belligerent combatants were detained.
Although calm returned to Niamey, heavily armed troops continued to guard several strategic locations, while patrols and searches remained under way. The AES also called on populations across the Sahel confederal space to remain particularly vigilant against disinformation campaigns and divisive manoeuvres.
The uprising prompted expressions of solidarity from countries outside the AES. Algeria was the first to respond, with its Foreign Ministry saying it was following the events “with extreme attention” and reaffirming its condemnation of acts that undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Nigerien people for tranquillity and development.
The following day, Algeria deployed four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Niamey to support local armed forces within the framework of their strategic cooperation.
Türkiye also joined international calls for restraint while awaiting a rapid return to calm. Its Foreign Ministry said Ankara would continue to demonstrate solidarity with Niger and support the Nigerien people.
The confrontation comes as the AES seeks to consolidate its collective position around sovereignty and security. The bloc’s statement presented the response to the uprising as part of its commitment to Niger and to maintaining peace within its confederal space.
The fighting was concentrated around locations of particular strategic importance to Niger’s government and its security partnerships. The presence of Russian partners at the headquarters of the Africa Corps and the General Staff of the Unified Force of the AES added another dimension to the confrontation, while Algeria’s subsequent deployment of fighter jets demonstrated the wider regional significance attached to developments in Niamey.
For the Nigerien authorities and their AES partners, the rapid containment of the uprising allowed the government to retain control of the capital’s key strategic sites. The detention of dozens of combatants followed the recapture of Air Base 101, while security forces continued patrols and searches after the fighting subsided.
The AES has sought to frame the episode as a challenge to Niger’s sovereignty and stability, while urging populations in the confederal space to guard against information campaigns that could deepen divisions.
With loyal forces maintaining security around strategic locations and regional partners expressing support, the immediate military challenge in Niamey appears to have been contained. The response from the AES, Algeria and Türkiye has also demonstrated the degree of regional attention surrounding Niger’s security and the wider question of stability across the Sahel.
