Heavy fighting was reported in Niamey after mutinous soldiers attempted to breach the presidential palace and attacked the international airport.
Clashes erupted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Saturday following an attempt by insurgents from within the armed forces to storm the presidential palace, triggering a night of heavy gunfire and explosions across the city .
A security source confirmed that the presidential guard successfully repelled the attackers, who tried to enter the palace compound. “There was an attempt by insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces to enter the presidential palace,” the source told AFP . “They were pushed back by the presidential guard. Exchanges of gunfire are continuing at the palace” .
The attack began in the early hours of Saturday, with heavy gunfire heard in several neighbourhoods, particularly near the city centre and around the international airport, which houses the major Air Base 101 . Reports indicate the insurgents also took soldiers hostage at a base near the airport .
Niger’s national television station, Tele Sahel, went off air for over an hour before broadcasting resumed . The military urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, stating that security forces had been mobilized to defend the nation .
An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard remained loyal to the current military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani . The military later stated it was “gradually regaining control” of the situation .
Niger has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023 and has struggled to contain jihadist violence, which has plagued the West African nation for around a decade . The Niamey airport has been targeted by jihadist groups twice this year .
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