Africa: All of Africa Today - August 31, 2026

Russia Says It Helped Foil Niger Coup Russia has said that its African Corps forces helped Nigerien troops repel an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey, after explosions and gunfire were reported near a key military airbase and the presidential palace. Nigerien authorities later said the rebellion had been contained. Russia said the situation was under the control of President Abdourahmane Tiani's government. The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, condemned the attempted takeover as an effort to destabilise the country. The incident highlights continued security challenges in Niger, where jihadist violence persists despite the military government's closer ties with Russia and its break from Western partners. Zambian Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile Charge