Niger: Coup Fear As Gunshots Rock Presidential Palace, Airport

Gunfire and explosions were heard across parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, early Saturday, sparking fresh fears of a possible coup attempt and raising concerns about the country’s security situation.

Heavy shooting was reportedly heard around Air Force Base 101, a military facility located within the international airport complex. The first shots were heard at about 1am local time and reportedly continued intermittently until daybreak.

Residents in different parts of Niamey described hearing gunfire and explosions during the early hours. Sporadic small-arms fire was also reportedly heard in western parts of the capital at about 5am.

Reports circulating online suggested that gunfire and explosions were also heard around the administrative district where Niger’s presidential palace and national television station are located. Videos shared online appeared to show armoured vehicles deployed around neighbourhoods close to the airport.

The exact source of the gunfire remained unclear as of Saturday morning, while Nigerien authorities had yet to issue an official statement explaining the incident or confirming whether government facilities had been targeted.

The development comes months after Niger’s international airport was attacked twice by jihadist groups.

The Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for an attack in January, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, the Sahel branch of al-Qaeda, carried out another assault in June.

During the January attack, Nigerien authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded. In June, the defence ministry reported that at least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were also killed. The military said both attacks were repelled.

Air Force Base 101 is considered a strategically important military installation because of its location within the airport complex. It also hosts Russian Africa Corps personnel and the command of the joint force established by the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Niger has been ruled by a military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The junta has faced persistent challenges in combating jihadist violence. Following the January airport attack, Tiani acknowledged security weaknesses that had enabled the assault, saying the attackers had sought to destroy the army’s air capabilities.

The latest incident is therefore likely to heighten concerns over security and political stability in the West African country.