It is past 3:30 p.m. in Niamey, and the situation remains uncertain. According to my sources, the airport is still under the control of the mutineers.
I understand that MISIN (the Italian troops deployed at Base 101) is safe and sound, although no official statement has been made regarding them.
Russian mercenaries are reportedly being held in custody (or simply locked up—it’s unclear) by the mutineers who still control Base 101 (next to the Diori-Hamane Airport)
Negotiations between the Russians and the mutineers are reportedly underway regarding their situation, but also to keep them out of the intra-military tensions and prevent them from interfering in the coup.
There is talk of about ten prisoners; the Russian presence in Niger numbers a few hundred people.
The units currently deployed are still heading toward Niamey; the situation should become clearer in the coming hours.
Casus Belli
