The Sahel and the UN: a smaller footprint, a different role
As UNGA 81 begins, the UN faces a changing Sahel demanding greater sovereignty.
![Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore are united by a push for greater sovereignty and strategic autonomy [Mahamadou Hamidou/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-06T181508Z_1249496886_RC2PP8AXR1TZ_RTRMADP_3_WESTAFRICA-SECURITY-SAHEL-1720621774.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![A man shows lithium stone from an illegal mining site in Paseli, north central Nigeria [File: Sunday Alamba/AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP24346673323009-1789705652.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Uranium ore is heap leached with sulphuric acid at Areva's Somair mine in Arlit [File: Joe Penney/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2014-02-12T120000Z_1830403680_GM1EA2C15FC01_RTRMADP_3_NIGER-AREVA-1789682435.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![A military armoured vehicle takes position on a street following a mutineers’ attack on the airport and presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, on August 30, 2026 [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-08-30T193531Z_1766492566_RC259NA2BGFP_RTRMADP_3_NIGER-SECURITY-1788700077.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Niger mutiny puts Russia’s expanding role in the Sahel to the test
Failed uprising in Niamey exposed tensions in Niger’s military, and the role of the Africa Corps in suppressing unrest.
![The failed mutiny highlights tensions inside Niger’s military and the growing role of Russia’s Africa Corps in supporting the junta [AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/33U94LZ-highres-1693718660.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
From: NewsFeed
Dozens of soldiers arrested after apparent coup attempt in Niger’s capital
Dozens of soldiers arrested after apparent coup attempt in Niger’s capital
Published On 30 Aug 2026
Niger’s military-led government says it contained mutiny: What next?
Mutiny began at a military base in Niamey and spread to area near the presidential palace and state broadcaster.
From: NewsFeed
Niger military says it is regaining control after attempted mutiny
Niger’s military says it is regaining control after a mutiny in Niamey after gun fire was heard in the capital.
Published On 29 Aug 2026
Tuareg rebels free more Malian soldiers in prisoner swap, sources say
Tuareg rebels have freed about 60 Malian soldiers in exchange for one of their own leaders, security sources said.
![A Malian soldier stands near a truck during a patrol following the attack on Mali's main military base Kati, outside the capital Bamako, in Kati, Mali, April 27, 2026 [Stringer/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-04-27T121509Z_1695817415_RC2MXKAWT8W6_RTRMADP_3_MALI-SECURITY-1787963389.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Gunfire, blasts in Niamey as soldiers mutiny in Niger’s capital
Niger’s Defence Ministry says armed forces are retaking control after ‘sensitive sites’ targeted in overnight attack.
Nigeria and the Sahel: A growing security divide
A widening diplomatic rift is complicating efforts to confront a shared cross-border security threat.
![Security cooperation in the Sahel has become increasingly fragmented as regional governments pursue different approaches to fighting armed groups [Philippe Desmazes/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/000_Par8191835.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
US missionary kidnapped in Niger released after nine months in captivity
Kevin Rideout, a pilot with the evangelical missionary agency SIM International, was abducted in the capital, Niamey.
Moroccan authorities dismantle ISIL-linked cell planning attacks
Police arrest 10 suspects, seizing bladed weapons, military-style clothes and bomb‑making instructions.
Armed attack on airport in Niger’s capital kills 11 soldiers, 2 civilians
JNIM claims responsibility for assault on Diori Hamani International Airport as gov’t says 22 attackers also killed.
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