Clashes broke out in Niger’s capital, Niamey, early Saturday after elements of the country’s armed forces attempted to storm the presidential palace, triggering a night of heavy gunfire across several neighborhoods before the presidential guard said it was regaining control.
What Happened
The presidential guard repelled what officials described as “insurgents from within the armed forces” attempting to enter the palace, where fighting continued through the night. Gunfire was reported in multiple parts of the capital, including near the airport, where a major military base is located; mutineers reportedly took soldiers hostage at a base next to the airport.
Communications Disruption
State television’s signal was cut for just over an hour before being restored around 10 a.m. local time, a disruption typical of attempted power grabs in the region.
Where Things Stand
An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard remained loyal to ruler Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani as of Saturday morning, and the military said it was “gradually regaining control” of the situation. Tiani has led Niger since a 2023 coup that removed the country’s democratically elected president.
Why It Matters
Niger sits in a region that has seen a wave of military takeovers in recent years, and an internal mutiny against the very junta that itself seized power in 2023 would underscore how unstable the chain of command has remained inside the country’s own armed forces.
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