Sahel Bloc Condemns Niger Uprising as Treason After Loyal Forces Repel Attacks

(FILE) Head of Niger’s military junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. Photo: EFE.

September 1, 2026 Hour: 12:06 am

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) condemned a military uprising in Niamey as “treason” and praised the courage and professionalism of loyal forces that repelled attacks on strategic locations in Niger’s capital.

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 is fully committed and mobilized alongside Niger and shares its determination to fight for sovereignty and peace.

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Heavy weapons fire began at 00:20 local time on Saturday, with clashes concentrated in the district housing the Presidential Palace, the airport area — site of Air Base 101 — 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, the swift reaction of loyal units made it possible to stop the uprising. Government troops supported by Russian allies retook Air Base 101 on Saturday afternoon, where insurgents had barricaded themselves. Dozens of belligerent combatants were detained.

Although calm has returned to the capital heavily armed troops continue to guard several strategic locations, and patrols and searches remain underway.

The AES statement also called on populations in the Sahel confederal space to remain especially vigilant against disinformation campaigns and divisive maneuvers.

Algeria was the first country to express solidarity, with its Foreign Ministry saying it followed the events “with extreme attention” and renewing its firm condemnation of acts that undermine the legitimate aspirations of the brotherly Nigerien people for tranquility and development. The next day, Algeria deployed four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Niamey to support local armed forces within the framework of their strategic cooperation.

Türkiye joined international calls for restraint pending a rapid return to calm, assuring through its foreign ministry that it will continue to show solidarity with Niger and support the Nigerien people.

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