Mutinying young soldiers attempted to overthrow the ruling military junta in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Saturday. The unrest began at a military base and spread to several key locations, including the presidential palace, Niamey airport, and the national television station, which went off the air for over an hour. Gunfire and explosions were reported throughout the city as the mutineers challenged the government.
The ruling regime managed to stop the coup attempt after hours of fighting. Control was regained with the intervention of Russian allies from the Africa Corps. State television reported that dozens of soldiers were arrested or killed, with some of the detainees paraded live on camera.
Life returned to normal and the capital appeared calm by Sunday. Despite regaining control, the mutiny underscores the fragility of the regime at a time when the country is facing attacks from several jihadist groups.