Niamey [Niger], August 30: Niger's armed forces have contained a mutiny by soldiers and gradually restored control in the capital Niamey, the defence ministry said on state television on Saturday.
The mutinous soldiers initially detained their comrades inside a base at Niamey's international airport before attacking further strategic locations in the city, the ministry said.
In the early hours of Saturday, gunfire and explosions were reported in Niamey. Thanks to the "rapid response" of the armed forces, the uprising was contained, and control was gradually restored in the West African Sahel state, the statement added.
According to a military officer, the mutinous soldiers seized the international airport and briefly occupied the building of the state broadcaster. A senior military official, who wished to remain anonymous, told dpa that national security forces had been able to defend the presidential palace.
According to a DPA reporter, the shooting began around 1am (0000 GMT) and lasted for around six hours. Power supplies were cut in several parts of Niamey.
Third attack on airport in 2026
Similar incidents had already occurred in Niamey in mid-June and in January.
On both occasions, the airport was targeted alongside government buildings. German soldiers had been stationed at the adjacent air force base until 2024. The base currently hosts, among others, Russian mercenaries and drones acquired from Turkey. In January, a Sahel branch of the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for that attack.
Niger, a landlocked country situated largely in the desert, has a population of around 28 million and is one of the poorest countries in the world.
In July 2023, the military seized power in a coup. The coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who is closely allied with Russia, has since been declared the new president without election, with his term set to last until at least 2030.
Source: Qatar Tribune