Niger: Coup fear as Gunshots rock Presidential palace, airport

Gunshots and explosions were heard early Saturday in parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, prompting concerns of a coup attempt. The source of the attack remained unclear as of the morning, with Nigerien authorities yet to release an official statement. Reports indicated heavy gunfire and explosions around Air Force Base 101, situated within the airport complex.

Witnesses confirmed hearing the sounds, with the first shots reportedly fired around 1am local time and continuing until dawn. Video footage showed activity near the airport early Saturday. A separate resident in western Niamey reported sporadic small-arms fire at about 5am. Social media posts also suggested gunfire and explosions in other areas, including the presidential palace and national television station district.

Videos circulating online depicted armored vehicles being deployed in neighborhoods close to the airport. The incident follows two jihadist attacks on Niamey’s airport earlier this year. The Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for a January assault, while the Sahel branch of al-Qaeda executed an operation in June. Both groups are rivals vying for influence in the Sahel, a region encompassing Niger.

The two groups have also carried out attacks against civilians and government forces. Air Force Base 101, a sensitive military facility within the airport, houses Russian personnel and the Alliance of Sahel States, a joint force comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Niger has been under a military junta since a July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.

The junta has faced challenges containing jihadist violence that has plagued the country for years. Following the January airport attack, General Abdourahamane Tiani acknowledged security weaknesses that allowed the assault. Despite shifting away from Western security partners, particularly France, and forming closer ties with Russia, jihadist violence persists in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

Concerns over security in Niamey's capital, especially around strategic military and government installations, have intensified following Saturday's gunfire. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the perpetrators or reported any casualties.