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, who seized power in 2023.
Niger's Ministry of National Defense reported on Saturday that a group of soldiers engaged in a potential mutiny, opening fire at strategic locations in the capital, Niamey. The gunfire and explosions were heard across the city overnight, particularly around Diori Hamani International Airport and the presidential complex. Defense Minister General Salifou Mody assured the public that the situation was under control, with the military gradually regaining command after the mutineers had captured soldiers at a base near the airport.
Authorities advised citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities. The incident marks the latest threat to Niger's military junta, headed by President Abdourahamane Tchiani, who assumed power in a coup in 2023. Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency for years.
The mutiny erupted around 1 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) and persisted until early morning. Local reports indicated that national television went off the air, replaced by a black screen on satellite and online platforms. Service was restored approximately an hour later. Niamey has faced jihadist attacks twice this year: the first by the Islamic State in the Sahel group (EIS) and the second in June by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).
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