Niger’s military junta has said it has regained control of the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers engaged security forces in armed clashes around key government and military installations on Saturday.
The fighting reportedly began shortly after midnight, with gunfire and explosions heard around sensitive locations, including the presidential palace and the state broadcaster, Tele Sahel.
The broadcaster was taken off air for more than an hour before resuming transmission at about 10:00 a.m. local time.
Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said a group of soldiers had held some troops hostage at a barracks and subsequently opened fire at what he described as sensitive sites in the capital.
He said security forces had quickly restored control and urged residents to remain calm.
A security source told AFP that the mutineers attempted to enter the presidential palace but were repelled by members of the presidential guard.
By Saturday evening, diplomatic and security sources said Nigerien presidential guards, supported by Russian forces, had recaptured Air Force Base 101, reportedly killing some of the mutineers.
The base, located within the international airport complex, also houses the headquarters of Russia’s Africa Corps in Niamey and serves as the command centre of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
The AES later described the incident as an attempted destabilisation plot by a group of soldiers, saying it had been contained.
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions around the airport area during the night and early morning. Armoured military vehicles were also seen deployed around sensitive areas.
The junta, which has ruled Niger since a 2023 coup, issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
The latest incident comes as Niger continues to battle jihadist groups operating across the Sahel region.
Niamey’s airport has reportedly been targeted twice this year by jihadists, including attacks linked to Islamic State in the Sahel and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have strengthened their military and political ties while reducing cooperation with traditional Western partners, particularly France, and deepening relations with Russia.
