Niger is facing fresh political uncertainty after mutinous soldiers attacked strategic sites in the capital, Niamey, including the international airport and presidency, in one of the most serious challenges to the military government since it seized power in 2023.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across several parts of Niamey overnight into August 29, particularly around Diori Hamani International Airport, the nearby Base 101 military installation and the presidential district.
The unrest quickly raised fears of another coup in Niger, Africa’s second-largest uranium producer and a gold-producing West African country, with multiple reports describing the uprising as an attempted takeover by disgruntled members of the armed forces.
Soldiers attempt to storm presidential palace
“There was an attempt by insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces to enter the presidential palace,” a security source told AFP, adding that they “were pushed back by the presidential guard”.
