On Saturday, Niger Republic came under an attack by mutineers who attempted to seize power from the junta led by Abdourahamane Tchiani. After fighting that lasted for hours, Mr Tchiani’s government still remains in power.
The mutinous soldiers took the regime by surprise, besieging and holding sway over the Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101. They also attempted to breach the fortified perimeter of the presidential palace. The attack briefly disrupted the state television and radio broadcasts.
Footage seen by our reporter showed armed soldiers, tactical armoured vehicles and troops securing the streets of Niamey. The mutineers seized control of Air Base 101, the paratroopers’ camp and other positions near the international airport.
The mutineers released a statement from the air base, announcing that Mr Tchiani was no longer the head of state. The statement, signed under the name of Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Fatherland, also announced the dissolution of the constitution, border closure and restriction of movement.
While the fighting continued, it was reported that the head of the junta requested the intervention of Africa Corps, a Russian-backed mercenary group which has entrenched itself in Sahelian states led by military rulers.
