- Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight in Niamey, particularly at the presidential palace and Base 101, indicating a serious security incident.
- A security source confirmed that the presidential guard successfully fought off insurgents attempting to breach the palace.
- Niger's state television went off air during the unrest but later resumed, reporting that mutinous soldiers had opened fire on 'sensitive sites'.
- Niger's Ministry of Defence stated that armed forces were progressively retaking control of the sites targeted in the overnight attack, although mutineers remained at the airport.
- Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Consultative Council, condemned the incident as 'another cowardly attack' on Base 101, asserting that the situation was 'under control'.
- The mutiny reflects ongoing instability in Niger, which has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
- Niamey airport has faced multiple attacks this year, highlighting the persistent security challenges under the current military government.
- Frustration among soldiers, particularly those from front-line areas, has been growing due to heavy casualties in battles with jihadist groups, contributing to the unrest.
Heavy gunfire erupted in Niamey overnight, with reports of an attack on the presidential palace and military airbase, Base 101. A military junta has ruled Niger for three years, struggling against persistent jihadist violence.
Security forces stated they had contained the disturbance, but mutineers remained at the airport.
A member of Niger's Consultative Council, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, condemned the attack, calling it "another cowardly attack" on Base 101, but assured that the situation was "under control."6
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions throughout the night, with state television going off air during the unrest.134
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that armed forces were regaining control of targeted sites, yet the situation remained unclear as mutineers were still present at the airport.
This incident marks the third major unrest at the airport this year, highlighting ongoing insecurity under the military-led government that seized power in a coup in 2023.
The unrest involved soldiers from various regions, including Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso, according to security sources.2
Niamey airport has faced attacks from jihadist groups earlier this year, indicating a troubling trend of escalating violence in the region.8
“The mutiny involved soldiers from Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso, with Defence Minister Salifou Modi trying to negotiate, as some troops 'are no longer listening to the orders' from Niamey. This marks the third major unrest at the airport this year, following attacks by Islamic State in the Sahel in January and JNIM in June.”
Euronews.com
