Niger coup attempt: Airport and presidential palace targeted in Niamey

Niger's capital, Niamey, was shaken by a coup attempt early Saturday as a faction of soldiers attacked key locations, including the airport and the presidential palace. Hours of intense gunfire and explosions echoed through the city, disrupting state television and radio broadcasts. The military government, led by Abdourahamane Tiani who seized power in July 2023, stated that security forces had largely contained the uprising.

According to security sources, government troops regained control of the presidential palace on Saturday morning. However, the situation around the airport remained uncertain, with reports indicating the continued presence of rebel soldiers. Government forces were reportedly being deployed to retake control of the airport, and authorities were considering whether to resolve the issue through negotiation or military intervention.

The rebellion was not confined to Niamey; soldiers from the southwestern regions of Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso reportedly expressed support for the uprising. These units have recently suffered significant losses in clashes with ISIS-affiliated groups in the Sahel. Experts and security sources suggest growing discontent among some frontline troops towards the government.

The exact number of soldiers involved and their specific positions in Niamey are still unknown. This latest event is seen as a new threat to Tiani's regime, which promised to improve security but has faced persistent attacks from Al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups. Both the civilian airport and the military base in Niamey have been targeted by jihadist groups previously this year.

The coup attempt occurs as Niger, rich in uranium, oil, and gold, has been reorienting its foreign policy since the 2023 coup. The Tiani administration has reduced ties with Western nations while strengthening military and political connections with Russia. Niger also formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso, distancing itself from the Economic Community of West African States. The government has also asserted greater control over strategic uranium resources, seizing assets from French energy company Orano and reassigning uranium licenses to state-backed firms.