Gunfire Rocks Niger Capital as Presidential Guards Repel Armed Forces Insurgents

Heavy gunfire has been reported in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, following an alleged attempt by “insurgents from within the armed forces” to enter the presidential palace.

A security source told AFP on Saturday that the presidential guard repelled the alleged insurgents, while shooting continued around the palace.

The development triggered heavy gunfire in several parts of Niamey throughout the night, particularly around the city centre and the vicinity of the presidential palace.

Shooting was also reported around the airport area, where a major military base is located.

Niger’s national television service was temporarily taken off air following the overnight violence. The state television signal was reportedly cut for more than an hour before being restored at about 10:00am local time (0900 GMT).

A resident of Niamey told AFP that he heard repeated bursts of gunfire at about 7:00am.

“I went to get credit for my phone. I saw a military vehicle heading towards the base that had to turn back,” the resident said.

He added: “The weapons we’re hearing are not the kind that terrorists on motorbikes can carry. The fighting has been non-stop since last night.”

Another resident in the western part of the capital said he heard sporadic small-arms fire from around 5:00am.

Several posts circulating on social media also reported shootings and explosions in different parts of the city, particularly in the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.

Videos shared online appeared to show armoured vehicles deployed around the airport area as security forces reinforced the strategic neighbourhood.

Niger under military rule

The reported incident comes three years after Niger was taken over by a military junta following the overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military authorities have since faced persistent security challenges, particularly jihadist attacks that have affected Niger and other countries in the Sahel region for more than a decade.

Details surrounding Saturday’s reported confrontation remain unclear, including the identity of those allegedly involved, their motive and whether the incident represents an attempted coup or an internal military confrontation.

Authorities had yet to provide a comprehensive official account of the incident at the time of filing this report.