Niger: Gunfire and explosions heard in capital
Niger is ruled by a military junta like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. The three countries have struggled to contain jihadi violence in recent years.
Niger's Ministry of National Defense announced a suspected mutiny on Saturday morning, as gunfire and explosions were heard across the capital Niamey. The attackers targeted the Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses a military air base, and attempted to breach the presidential palace, though the presidential guard managed to fend off the intruders.
According to lawmaker Bana Wagana Ibrahim, who serves on the Consultative Council, dozens of rebel soldiers were either arrested or killed after a few hours of fighting. Some mutineers remained near the airport, posing a continued threat to the junta led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup. Niger, like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced an ongoing jihadist insurgency.
Russia, which has a presence in Niamey's attacked airport, offered assistance to the junta in suppressing the mutiny. Algeria, Niger's northern neighbor, pledged solidarity and support to restore stability.
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