Mutinous soldiers seized a strategic military base in Niger's capital, Niamey, last Saturday, prompting the country's ruling military junta to seek help from Russia. After a night of heavy fighting, Russian forces from the Africa Corps assisted Nigerien loyalists in regaining control of Air Base 101 at Diori Hamani International Airport. The Africa Corps, a unit directly under Russia's Ministry of Defence, provides combat support, military training, and is believed to have around 200 to 300 personnel in Niger. Russia's ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropaev, confirmed the weekend operation, stating that Russian forces had helped "repress a mutiny." This incident highlights that Russia’s Africa Corps is not only involved in helping Sahel governments fight jihadist insurgencies, as officially stated, but also in protecting the very governments that employ them. In January, Africa Corps personnel played a key role in repelling an attack at the same airport. Niger's military coup in July 2023, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, was partly justified by claims that the civilian government under President Mohamed Bazoum had failed to address security threats and was undermined by Western partners. However, three years later, the jihadist threat remains unresolved, with militants linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State continuing attacks in regions like Tillabéri and Dosso, sometimes with heavy casualties for security forces. Analysts suggest that this latest mutiny reflects long-standing frustrations within Niger’s military, exacerbated by a lack of adequate support and resources. "Counter-insurgency forces do not feel adequately supported by the military government," said one analyst, pointing to challenges in equipment and supplies. Niger's government now faces dual threats: attacks from extremist groups and internal unrest among its own military. While Africa Corps may have helped contain the latter this weekend, the broader conflict with militants remains unresolved. Unlike Wagner Group mercenaries, whose private status offered Russia some deniability, Africa Corps is a more visible part of the Russian state. "The whole point of Africa Corps is that it brings the power back under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defence," said an analyst. Russia benefits from having friendly governments in the Sahel that can support it internationally. Tiani's government, like those in Mali and Burkina Faso, has built legitimacy by emphasizing sovereignty and independence from former colonial powers, including France. These governments have expelled French troops and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), moving away from regional blocs like Ecowas. Despite Russia's growing influence in the region, its involvement in Ukraine continues to limit how much it can expand its operations in Africa. "It's a tightrope for Russia because its priority will always be Ukraine," said an analyst. Still, Russia is likely to maintain enough military presence in the Sahel to reassure its allies. However, analysts note that Russia cannot afford a large-scale counter-insurgency operation in the region. Instead, protecting allied governments and responding to smaller threats, like the recent mutiny, appears to be a more sustainable strategy for Russia. While Russia may have helped Tiani weather this crisis, the conditions that could lead to the next mutiny remain unchanged.