Niger coup attempt: Is Russia proving better at protecting friends than fighting enemies in West Africa?

The coup attempt in Niger saw the ruling junta turn to Russia to suppress a mutiny, with assistance from the Africa Corps. This intervention helped regain control of Air Base 101 in Niamey. Russian forces, under the control of Moscow's defense ministry, have become essential for the security of military governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, highlighting the growing dependence of these countries on Russia.