A mutiny in Niger’s capital, Niamey, concluded on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with dozens of soldiers arrested. The unrest centered around Air Base 101, a key location housing the headquarters of the AES unified force and the Russian Africa Corps. The mutineers, largely composed of special forces typically deployed against jihadist groups in the tri-border region with Mali and Burkina Faso, attempted to seize control of critical infrastructure. Targets included the presidential palace and national television. The attempt to overthrow the government was unsuccessful, with authorities regaining control after the brief uprising. The involvement of special forces and the proximity to the Russian Africa Corps raise questions about potential external influences and internal divisions within the Nigerien military. The situation highlights ongoing instability in the region and the complex geopolitical landscape of the Sahel.