REFLEXIVE PEACE PRACTICE (RPP) PROJECT

Niger spent the week of 31 August–4 September 2026 absorbing the shock of a failed coup attempt on 28–29 August by mutinous soldiers protesting mounting insurgent casualties and internal favouritism within the armed forces. The junta, backed decisively by Russia's Africa Corps and diplomatic support from Algeria, restored control in Niamey, arresting and reportedly killing dozens of participants. Meanwhile, ISSP and JNIM continued to escalate attacks and freedom of movement in the Tillabéri and Dosso regions at a pace outstripping prior years, raising concern that the military's internal crisis will further degrade its capacity to contain the jihadist insurgency.