Nigerien politician and former president who faced exile, coup and imprisonment
A U.S. Marine veteran, Jonathan Gilman, has been returned to the United States from Russia on a humanitarian basis after facing extended prison time and worsening health. He has landed at Dulles, been flown to San Antonio for medical and psychological care, and been described by officials as walking, talking and evaluated by doctors on the flight.
Soldiers have attacked Base 101 at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport and fired on sites near the presidential district overnight, triggering hours of clashes with forces loyal to junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani. State television briefly went off air. Authorities have said security forces are regaining control after Russia’s Africa Corps intervened and dozens of mutineers were killed or detained.
The Malian army faces a major assault by JNIM at the Dioura base on Sept. 10, with hundreds of militants and civilian concerns. In response, Mali’s military leadership proclaims operational pressure while authorities note casualties and the strategic impact on security in the region.