BBC analysis indicates that Russia's Africa Corps, unlike its predecessor the Wagner Group, is directly controlled by Moscow's defense ministry. Following a mutiny last Saturday at Air Base 101 in Niger's capital, Africa Corps assisted Nigerien loyalist forces in regaining control. Analysts suggest this intervention highlights Russia's increasing role in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, providing protection for military governments in exchange for mineral resources like uranium and diplomatic support, rather than solely combating jihadist insurgencies. Russia's ambassador to Niger publicly acknowledged the intervention, stating their forces helped “repress a mutiny.”