Niger soldiers' mutiny put down after Niamey fighting

Niger's military regime and its Russian Africa Corps allies put down a soldiers' mutiny in the capital Niamey after fighting from Friday night into Saturday, and life in the city had largely returned to normal by Sunday.

Mutineers tried to storm the presidential compound and barricaded themselves at the airport airbase. Several were killed, according to a security source, while others were arrested. Television pictures showed soldiers surrendering.

Residents said access to the airbase and the presidency had reopened on Sunday. Shops that had closed on Saturday and Niamey's main market had also reopened.

Security remained tight. Soldiers screened people entering the presidency with metal detectors, and vehicles mounted with machine guns were posted on roads leading to the presidency and around the airport.

Niger has been led by General Abdourahamane Tiani since a July 2023 coup. His government has moved closer to Russia and away from Western partners, including France.

The exchange of fire was the third such incident around the airport area this year, but the earlier January and June incidents involved jihadist attacks rather than mutinying soldiers.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italian military personnel in Niger were well and continuing their work. Nigeria said it viewed the situation with deep concern and urged a return to stability and constitutional order. Saudi Arabia said it supported Niger's government against attempts to undermine security and stability.