Niger’s security forces battle mutinuous soldiers at a strategic base, presidency district

Soldiers in Niger mutinied against officers at a crucial military base, firing at sensitive locations in the capital Niamey, authorities reported on Saturday. The mutiny, characterized by gunfire and explosions, posed a significant threat to the struggling junta under President Abdourahamane Tchiani, who came to power after a 2023 coup.

The incident occurred at the main airport, Base 101, and the Plateau administrative district, which houses the presidential palace and key institutions. The Defense Minister, Gen. Salifou Mody, stated that some soldiers took officers hostage and targeted "sensitive sites," but the Defense and Security Forces managed to regain control.

Security forces were stationed around the airport and in the Plateau district, while a major road leading to Niamey was blocked off. Many residents stayed indoors due to safety concerns. This marks the third attack on the base at Diori Hamani International Airport this year, with previous assaults by jihadi rebels. The ruling military council called for unity, urging the population to remain vigilant and supportive.

The airport is a strategic hub that houses the Nigerien Air Force base and the headquarters of the joint Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali military force. The mutiny adds pressure to the military authorities, who have been struggling to control deadly jihadi violence across the Sahel region. The violence has affected Niger's neighbors, Burkina Faso and Mali, which also have military juntas.

The incident comes amid recent military takeovers in the Sahel, a vast, arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert that has emerged as a global hotspot for extremist violence. Prior to the 2023 coup, Niger had been the West's most reliable partner in the region, combating jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.