Niger military says it is regaining control after attempted mutiny

Mutinous soldiers in Niger launched an attack on the airport and presidential palace in Niamey early Saturday, prompting hours of intense gunfire and explosions that momentarily disrupted state television and radio transmissions. By early morning, the defence ministry reported that armed forces were regaining control of targeted locations, though mutineers remained at the airport and the overall situation remained uncertain.

The attack followed a pattern of threats to President Abdourahamane Tiani's rule, who assumed power in a 2023 coup. Tiani had vowed to bolster security in the Sahel nation, a significant uranium producer, but jihadist assaults persisted. State television reported that mutinous soldiers from a base in Niamey had opened fire on "sensitive sites" in the city, while loyalist troops quickly contained the disturbance, according to a statement.

Earlier this year, affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State attacked the civilian airport and military airbase, fueling suspicions that militants were responsible for the latest assault. A Reuters witness heard gunfire and heard heavy explosions at dawn. By 0900 GMT, loyalist troops had secured the presidential palace, while the area around the airport remained contested, according to two security sources and a diplomat.

Loyalist troops were dispatched to retake control of the airport via negotiations or force, according to two sources. The assault involved soldiers from southwest localities of Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso, sources said. The mutineers' numbers and deployment locations remained unclear. Despite battling militants and controlling uranium resources, Niger has struggled against insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military government has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia, and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in forming the breakaway AES bloc. Tightening control over its uranium sector, Niger recently seized assets from France's Orano, a key supplier of nuclear fuel to Europe.