Niger's defense ministry says soldiers attempted mutiny
Gunfire and explosions were heard across Niamey overnight. The attack posed the latest threat to Niger's military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup.
Niger's Ministry of National Defense announced on Saturday that a group of soldiers had attempted a mutiny, shooting at sensitive locations in the capital Niamey. Overnight, gunfire and explosions were heard across the city, with attackers targeting Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses a military air base, and attempting to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
General Salifou Mody, the Defense Minister, stated that the situation was gradually under control after the mutineers took soldiers hostage at a base near the airport. Authorities urged the public to remain calm and continue with their daily activities. This incident marks the latest threat to Niger's military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who took power in a 2023 coup.
The country, along with its Sahelian neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has for years been governed by military juntas struggling to combat a jihadist insurgency.
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