Niger government says things are 'calm' after soldier uprising

The military government in Niger Republic says it is still in charge after gunfire and explosions were heard in many parts of the capital, Niamey, on Saturday morning.

Key places like the airport and the presidential palace were hit during what officials called an attack by rebellious soldiers.

State media went offline early on Saturday. But later, the military government asked for calm. They assured everyone that security forces acted quickly to stop the uprising.

Defence Minister Salifou Mody signed an official statement confirming that loyal soldiers fought back against the mutineers. They restored order in the affected areas after many people panicked.

Mr Mody asked citizens to stay calm and go back to their daily lives. He said the government is still in full control of the situation.

Residents reported that mutinous soldiers blocked roads to both the presidential palace and the national television station during the chaos.

The early morning attack lasted for several hours and included soldiers from the southwestern towns of Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso, according to local sources.

Witnesses said the mutineers focused on the presidential palace, the national television station, and Military Airbase 101. This sparked fears of a possible coup.

The attack is a test for Abdourahamane Tiani, a general who took power in a coup in July 2023, removing elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Even though Mr Tiani promised to bring stability to Niger, jihadist groups continue to cause trouble.

Earlier this year, PREMIUM TIMES reported that both Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates attacked Niamey’s civilian airport and the nearby military base.

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which is Al-Qaeda’s branch in West Africa, took responsibility for a June attack on the airport. This happened just five months after the Islamic State Sahel Province targeted the same place.

Niger, a country rich in minerals like uranium, oil, and gold, still faces challenges with Islamist groups, just like its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali.

Since Mr Tiani took charge, his government has cut ties with traditional Western partners. They have increased military cooperation with Russia and left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Now, they are working closely with Mali and Burkina Faso in a group called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).