Niger's Thwarted Mutiny Highlights Junta's Dependence on Russia The failed mutiny in Niger over the weekend has exposed a harsh reality: the country's ruling junta relies heavily on Moscow for its security.
The involvement of Russia's Africa Corps mercenaries in putting down the uprising reveals a worrying trend – one that contradicts the junta's claims of reclaiming sovereignty and independence from foreign powers.
The junta's reliance on Russian mercenaries has been building since the 2023 coup, which led to Niger breaking away from France, its historic colonial ruler.