Fresh clashes have erupted in Niamey, the capital of Niger, between members of the armed forces and the presidential guard following an alleged attempt by soldiers to gain access to the presidential palace.
The confrontation came after hours of heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in parts of the capital early Saturday.
A security source told AFP that the incident began when “an attempt by insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces” was made to enter the presidential palace.
The source said the presidential guard resisted the move, adding that “exchanges of gunfire are continuing at the palace.”
An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard remained loyal to Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani, as the situation unfolded.
The authorities, however, said the military was gradually restoring control after mutineers reportedly took some soldiers hostage at a military facility close to the capital’s airport.
In a statement broadcast on public television and signed by Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, the authorities appealed to residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities.
Earlier, the military had urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified reports as gunfire was heard in the city.
“Our defence and security forces have been mobilised for the defence of the homeland,” the military said.
Residents reported intense shooting around Air Force Base 101, located within the airport complex. One resident described the sound as “heavy gunfire and explosions,” while another said the fighting appeared to involve weapons more powerful than those typically carried by jihadists operating on motorcycles.
“The weapons we’re hearing are not the kind that terrorists on motorbikes can carry. The fighting has been non-stop since last night,” the resident said.
Another resident in western Niamey said he heard bursts of small-arms fire around 5am.
Access to the presidential palace and the national television station was reportedly blocked by soldiers. Tele Sahel, Niger’s national broadcaster, also went off air for more than an hour before resuming transmission at about 10am local time.
Videos shared online showed armoured military vehicles moving towards areas around the airport.
The latest incident comes amid Niger’s prolonged struggle with jihadist violence. The country has been under military rule since General Tiani emerged as leader following the July 2023 coup.
Niamey’s airport has also come under attack twice this year. In January, Islamic State in the Sahel militants reportedly attacked the facility, while the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims carried out another assault in June.
According to Nigerien authorities, 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded in the January attack. In June, at least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were reportedly eliminated.
Niger, alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, has moved away from traditional Western security partners and strengthened ties with Russia following military takeovers in the three countries. The three nations have also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States.
Air Force Base 101, where Saturday’s reported clashes occurred, is considered strategically sensitive. The facility houses Russian Africa Corps personnel and serves as the headquarters of the joint force of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
