Nigeria expresses concern over political crisis in Niger

The Nigerian government has expressed deep concern over the recent political and security turmoil in Niger, following an attempted coup in the capital city of Niamey. The government emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in Niger, given the strong historical, cultural, and fraternal bonds between the two nations.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, conveyed this concern in a statement released in Abuja. Adeniyi highlighted the government's apprehension about the current state of affairs in Niger, stating that any resort to force to settle political differences is detrimental to the goal of achieving peace, security, democracy, and development in the region.

Niger's ruling military junta claimed to have regained control after clashes between mutinous soldiers and security forces in Niamey on Saturday. The unrest reportedly erupted around critical locations, such as the presidential palace and a military base at the international airport, causing heavy gunfire and briefly disrupting broadcasts from the state broadcaster, Tele Sahel.

The junta described the incident as a "destabilization plot" and declared that they had successfully contained the situation. Nigerian officials expressed their hope for a swift return to normalcy, emphasizing that the stability of Niger would have a direct and positive impact on Nigeria, the wider sub-region, and the Sahel region.