Gunfire and explosions reported in Niger's capital Niamey as security forces respond to attacks
Quick Look
- Sustained gunfire and explosions occurred across Niamey early Saturday, with attacks reported on Diori Hamani International Airport, the presidency perimeter, and Base 101 military installation.
- Security forces regained control and neutralized some attackers, while others fled.
- Niger has been under military rule since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, with the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani shifting alliances toward Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia, and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States, a breakaway from the ECOWAS bloc.
Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses, with the cause not immediately clear.
A security source told Reuters that “terrorists” had attacked the city’s Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Parliament, said on Facebook that attackers had targeted Base 101, a major military installation in Niamey, but that security forces had regained control.
“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defence and security forces ensured… Situation under control,” Ibrahim wrote.
Reuters could not immediately verify the claims made by the security source and Ibrahim.
A second security source told Reuters that security forces had launched search operations and that the attackers had been “neutralised”, with others fleeing.
The second witness said the gunfire had been heavy and persistent around the presidential palace.
Gunfire resumed around Niamey’s international airport at around 02:13 GMT, according to the first witness.
Niger, a mineral-rich West African nation with significant uranium, oil and gold resources, has been ruled by the military since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since seizing power, General Abdourahamane Tiani’s junta has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in AES, a breakaway from the regional ECOWAS bloc.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Security forces will continue search operations to apprehend fleeing attackers
Very likely · Within hours
The junta will use this incident to justify further consolidation of power and crackdowns
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Who exactly carried out the attacks?
- What was the precise number of casualties or injuries?
- What motivated the attackers?
- Are there any links between the attackers and extremist groups?
