Niamey: Life returned to normal in Niger's capital on Sunday, a day after mutineers stormed the presidential palace and a military base at Niamey's main airport, resisting forces loyal to the ruling junta until Russia's Africa Corps intervened. State TV reported that dozens of soldiers were killed or arrested, with some paraded in front of cameras live on television.According to France24.com, the unrest posed a significant threat to the junta, which has been in power since a 2023 coup. The mutiny involved sustained gunfire between the mutineers and loyalist forces from Friday night until late Saturday, primarily around Niamey's main airport and the presidential district. The unrest ended with the arrest or killing of dozens of soldiers, although the authorities have not disclosed any charges against them.On Sunday, military trucks and checkpoints were visible across the city, particularly along major roads between the airport and the presidential district. Junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani has yet to mak e any public comments or appearance following the events.Witnesses, analysts, and diplomats reported that Nigeriens were awoken by gunfire and explosions around midnight on Friday. The Diori Hamani International Airport, a strategic hub hosting a key military air base and the headquarters of Russia's Africa Corps, was a focal point of the unrest. Gunshots were also heard near the presidential palace as a group of soldiers confronted junta loyalists.The defense ministry stated that its forces were gradually regaining control after soldiers took hostages at the air base and fired at sensitive sites. Analysts and diplomats noted that the chaos persisted for hours, with the presidential guard and other loyalist forces eventually securing the air base and the presidency.The mutineers, some of whom came from regions affected by jihadi violence, appeared to have been driven by grievances over rising insecurity. A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, noted that these soldiers were rallying support from othe rs stationed outside the city.Héni Nsaibia, a senior West Africa analyst at Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, highlighted that jihadi violence has worsened in the wider Sahel region, including in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. The junta in Niger, which seized power with promises to stabilize the country, has instead seen security deteriorate, with attacks on military positions increasing.Wassim Nasr, a terrorism expert from FRANCE 24, stated that the mutiny was led by soldiers mostly deployed against the jihadis, and that the deteriorating security situation fueled discontent within the military ranks.The mutineers held their ground at the military base within the airport complex for several hours until Russia's Africa Corps intervened with ground and aerial support. The Africa Corps, with 200 to 300 personnel in Niger, primarily protects the junta and supports the fight against jihadis.Russia's ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, confirmed that Niger had requested support from the Russia n force, and the mutineers were neutralized largely due to the intervention of Africa Corps. Nasr noted that the mutineers outnumbered the elite presidential guard until the Russians intervened.The regional Alliance of Sahel States, including Burkina Faso and Mali, expressed full support for Niger and condemned the mutiny. Algeria and Turkey also conveyed their solidarity and support for Niger's security and stability.