Situation in Niger 'not stabilised yet' as security forces deploy around airport
A group of soldiers in Niger rebelled against officers at a key military base and fired at sensitive locations in the capital, Niamey, in an apparent mutiny marked by gunfire and explosions, authorities said Saturday, in what was seen as a major threat to the country's struggling junta. FRANCE 24's Wassim Nasr brings you this analysis.
Niger's government has successfully thwarted an attempted military mutiny following a series of gunshots heard overnight in the capital city of Niamey. The unrest in the nation's economic hub raised alarm among residents and drew international concern. In a televised address, Niger's Defence Minister, General Salifou Modi, revealed that a faction of soldiers infiltrated the 101 Military Camp adjacent to Diori Hamani International Airport around 12:20 am on Saturday.
During this incursion, the soldiers reportedly detained some of their comrades. However, General Modi assured the public that government forces swiftly responded to the situation, restoring tranquility and order in Niamey. The statement from the government underscored that the attempted mutiny had been "crushed" by the country's forces, bringing stability back to the capital.
Before the government's official statement, there was little clarity surrounding the origin of the gunfire, and authorities had not released a formal explanation. The defence minister did not disclose any casualties or injuries resulting from the incident; however, Reuters reported through security sources that the attack occurred at Niamey's airport, with another attempt made to breach the presidential palace.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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