Niger’s national television station Tele Sahel went off air on Saturday following hours of heavy gunfire and explosions in parts of the capital, Niamey, including around a military base near the city’s airport.
The source of the shooting was not immediately known, but Niger’s military urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, saying defence and security forces had been deployed.
Residents reported hearing intense gunfire and explosions around Air Force Base 101, with some saying the shooting began around 1am and continued until daybreak. Access to the presidential palace and national television station was also reportedly blocked by soldiers.
By Saturday morning, Tele Sahel’s satellite and online broadcasts had been replaced by a black screen, while videos circulating online showed armoured vehicles moving into areas near the airport.
The airport area has previously come under attack by jihadist groups. In January, fighters linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) attacked the facility, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, launched another attack in June.
Both attacks were repelled by Nigerien forces, although soldiers and civilians were killed.
Niger has been under military rule since the July 2023 coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, while the country continues to face persistent jihadist violence.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have also withdrawn from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, while strengthening their ties with Russia and distancing themselves from traditional Western security partners.
Air Force Base 101, located within the international airport complex, is considered strategically important and houses Russian Africa Corps personnel as well as the command of the Alliance of Sahel States’ unified force.
Source: AFP.
