Niger junta says it has retaken control in Niamey

Niger's ruling junta said Saturday that it had gradually taken back control after mutinying soldiers attacked key sites in Niamey, including an attempted entry into the presidential palace, following hours of gunfire in the capital.

Defence Minister General Salifou Mody said in a statement read on state television that a group of soldiers held some troops hostage at a barracks in Niamey and opened fire at “certain sensitive sites” in the city. He said defence and security forces contained the situation and took back control of the sites.

A security source told AFP that insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces tried to enter the presidential palace and were pushed back by the presidential guard. An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard was still loyal to Niger's ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

Soldiers blocked access to the presidential palace and national television during the clashes. Tele Sahel, the national broadcaster, went off air for just over an hour on Saturday morning before service was restored at about 10:00 am local time.

A resident of the Yantala district near the presidential palace said late Saturday morning that “everything is calm again” and no more shooting could be heard.

Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions around Base 101 in Niamey, near the airport. Videos online showed armoured vehicles deployed near the airport area.

Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta led by Tiani. The country has faced jihadist violence for about a decade, and Niamey's airport has been targeted twice this year by jihadist groups, with both attacks repelled by the army, according to authorities.