NIGER CAPITAL ROCKED BY GUNFIRE AS SOLDIERS ATTEMPT TO ENTER PRESIDENTIAL PALACE

Niger’s capital, Niamey, was thrown into tension on Saturday after clashes erupted between members of the armed forces and the presidential guard following an alleged attempt by soldiers to enter the presidential palace.

The confrontation came after several hours of heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around strategic locations in the city, particularly the area around Air Force Base 101 and the presidential palace.

A security source told AFP that insurgents from within the Nigerien armed forces attempted to gain access to the presidential palace but were pushed back by the presidential guard. Gunfire reportedly continued around the palace as security forces worked to contain the situation.

An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard remained loyal to General Abdourahamane Tiani, who has headed Niger’s military government since the 2023 coup.

The military authorities said they were gradually regaining control of the situation after the mutineers reportedly took some soldiers hostage at a military base close to the capital’s airport.

In a statement read on national 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 also urged citizens not to circulate unverified reports, assuring the public that defence and security forces had been mobilised to protect the country.

Residents reported hearing gunfire from the early hours of Saturday. One resident said heavy shooting and explosions could be heard around Base 101, while others described the fighting as continuing for several hours.

Access to the presidential palace and national television station was reportedly restricted as soldiers and armoured vehicles were deployed around sensitive locations.

The national television station, Tele Sahel, temporarily went off air for more than an hour before returning to broadcast around 10am local time.

The latest confrontation comes at a particularly sensitive time for Niger, which continues to face attacks from jihadist groups despite the military government's efforts to strengthen its security forces.

Niamey’s airport has already been targeted twice this year. The first attack occurred in January and was attributed to Islamic State militants in the Sahel, while another assault in June was linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate.

The January attack reportedly left 20 attackers dead and four soldiers wounded, while the June assault resulted in the deaths of at least 11 soldiers, two civilians and 22 attackers, according to Nigerien authorities.

Niger has been ruled by a military junta since General Tiani seized power in July 2023. The country has since strengthened security cooperation with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, which are also under military governments.

The three countries have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States and formed the Alliance of Sahel States while deepening their security relationship with Russia.

Air Force Base 101, where some of Saturday’s clashes reportedly occurred, is particularly important because it houses Russian Africa Corps personnel and serves as the command centre for the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States.

As authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation, residents have been urged to remain calm and rely only on official information.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about political stability in Niger and the ability of the military government to maintain unity within its own security forces while simultaneously confronting persistent jihadist threats.