Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Niamey (Fides News Agency) – “Truth is the first victim of war.” This well-known aphorism can also apply to situations other than an open conflict, such as coups or military uprisings, like the one that took place in Niger on the night of 28–29 August (see Fides, 31/8/2026).
The insurgents, belonging to several units commanded by officers serving in the Tillabéri and Dosso regions, attacked several strategic sites in the capital, Niamey. The rebel soldiers have made no political demands, but according to local sources, they may belong to anti-terrorism special forces. The uprising is believed to have been prompted by protests over the disorganization of efforts to combat jihadist groups operating in the Sahel.
It should be recalled that the military junta that seized power in the coup of 26 July 2023 (see Fides, 27/7/2023) justified the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by accusing him of failing to ensure the country’s security.
After suppressing the insurgency with Russian assistance and external support from Algeria, the authorities in Niamey accused foreign powers of having promoted and supported the attempted coup.
Nigerien Captain Roger Gabriel, in a statement read on state television, accused several figures close to former President Mohamed Bazoum, as well as officers from France, Chad, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, of supporting the attempted coup.
The officer also said that he had received telephone calls from foreign numbers, particularly from the United Arab Emirates and Belgium, urging him to join the rebels. His interlocutors allegedly also claimed that French special forces would soon arrive at Niamey airport to provide support to the insurgents.
Posts subsequently appeared on social media claiming that Nigerien authorities had decided to close several religious centres funded by the United Arab Emirates, which some suspected of being training centers for “terrorists”. An unverified video was also released online, allegedly showing the destruction of a UAE-funded religious center, carried out just days after the failed military uprising.
For the time being, therefore, the situation remains uncertain. It nevertheless appears that the military junta is seeking to conceal internal divisions within the armed forces by attributing responsibility for inspiring and supporting the uprising to “foreign powers”.
(L.M.) (Fides News Agency, 2/9/2026)
