From one source, what is happening in Niger is an attempt at a violent coup d’état, not a rebellion limited to the demands of desperate soldiers. It appears that the junta has lost control over part of the army
Many units are on their way to the capital, which will take time, and the final outcome could change before they arrive
General Tiani, chairman of the military council, and a group of presidential guards loyal to him are barricaded inside the presidential palace and are attempting to repel the coup plotters
The coup plotters control most of the strategic axis and sites in the capital, including the airport.
Other reports suggest that they are negotiating with the Russians (i assume they want them to not try to protect the power in place) and are preparing to launch a major offensive on the presidential palace if the general refuses to surrender.
The Nigerien government has lost control over a significant portion of the army
Both sides (loyalists and mutineers) are contacting various units to try to get them to join their side by asking them to return to the capital
One notable detail: National Gendarmerie does not seem to be responding and is not leaving its barracks for a reason that remains unknown at this time
It’s somewhat of a race against time to rally the bulk of the troops to one side or the other, even though the situation could be resolved before the units arrive in the capital
Casus Belli
