Heavy gunfire has been reported in Niamey, Niger’s capital, following an apparent attempt by members of the armed forces to gain access to the presidential palace.
Niger’s presidential guard reportedly repelled the group on Saturday as fighting continued around the palace.
Security sources told AFP that residents heard intense gunfire across parts of Niamey from Friday night, particularly around the city centre where the presidential palace is located.
Shooting was also reported around the airport, which houses a major military base.
The situation also affected state television, whose broadcast signal was interrupted for more than an hour before returning at about 10:00 a.m. local time.
A resident told AFP that he heard repeated bursts of gunfire around 7:00 a.m. while attempting to purchase phone credit. He also said he saw a military vehicle moving towards the military base before it was forced to turn back.
According to the resident, the intensity of the weapons being fired suggested that the incident involved forces with access to heavier arms.
“The fighting has been non-stop since last night,” the resident reportedly said.
Another resident living in western Niamey said he heard sporadic small-arms fire around 5:00 a.m.
Reports circulating on social media also pointed to explosions and gunfire in several parts of the capital, especially around the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.
The reported incident comes three years after Niger was taken over by a military junta. The authorities have continued to face significant security challenges from jihadist groups operating in the country.
The full circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation, including the identities and motives of those involved, remained unclear at the time of reporting.
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