NIAMEY UNDER SIEGE: HEAVY GUNFIRE, EXPLOSIONS ROCK NIGER CAPITAL AS AIRPORT, PRESIDENCY TARGETED
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–PANIC gripped Niamey early Saturday as sustained gunshots and heavy explosions rocked the capital of junta-led Niger Republic.
Saturday’s assault, which observers said raged for about two hours, targeted the international airport and the heavily fortified security perimeter near the presidency.
According to Reuters, the attack marks the third major security breach in the junta-controlled country this year. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported two previous jihadist attacks targeting parts of Niamey, including the international airport.
Bana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post.
“Another cowardly attack against Base 101 and once again our defense and security forces have ensured,” Ibrahim wrote about six hours ago, claiming the situation is “under control.”
But Reuters reported that witnesses said gunfire and explosions continued long after Ibrahim’s post.
As of press time, the motive and identity of the attackers remain unclear, with analysts divided — some blaming jihadists, others suspecting an attempted coup.
Niger has suffered from jihadi attacks as it continues to face multiple threats from groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates in Lake Chad and the Sahel.
The military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, seized power from a democratically elected government in July 2023, and subsequently detained the President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Since overthrowing the democratic government, Mr Tchiani’s regime has been tested by unending jihadi attacks and the country’s fallout with the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
While previous attacks were carried out by jihadists, no one has claimed responsibility for the ongoing violence.
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Wasim Nasir, a French journalist who has been reporting on violence in the Sahel, posted on X that Saturday’s attack is likely a “coup d’état” and/or a settling of scores between military personnel.”
Hasret Kargin, a conflict researcher, said “there is currently no information on whether the attack was carried out by jihadists or was an attempted coup.”
“Given the recent attacks, rebel groups could also be added to the list of possibilities,” he added.
As of the time of this report, the government has yet to issue further official statements about the attack.
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