Gunfire and explosions heard overnight in Niger's capital

Niamey, the capital of Niger, was rocked by overnight gunfire and explosions, with witnesses reporting significant unrest in areas surrounding the presidential palace and the Diori Hamani International Airport. The disturbances began around 1 a.m. local time on Saturday and continued for approximately six hours, according to reports from the scene.

Heavy weapons fire, including mortar shelling, was directed at the presidential palace, according to a former communication advisor to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Power outages were reported in several parts of the capital, particularly near the airport and the palace. The exact perpetrators and motives behind the violence remain unclear, though initial reports suggest a focus on the airport's military base.

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The presidential palace was heavily shelled with mortars and small arms fire.

This is not the first time the capital has experienced such violence this year. The airport and government buildings were targeted in similar incidents in mid-June and January. The January attack was claimed by the Sahel branch of the Islamic State terrorist group. German soldiers were previously stationed at a nearby air force base until 2024, and the base now houses Russian mercenaries and Turkish-acquired drones.

Niger, a landlocked and impoverished nation in the Sahel region with a population of about 28 million, has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who led the coup and is reportedly closely linked to Russia, has been declared the new president, with his term expected to last until at least 2030.

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The attackers first targeted the military base at the airport.