Niger: Gunfire and explosions near the capital's airport; ruling military council: Our forces are 'ready'

Shooting and explosions continued in Niamey, the capital of Niger, particularly around the military base at the international airport, a strategically important site for the military authorities that have ruled the country since the July 2023 coup.

The ruling military council is seeking to contain violence carried out by armed groups for nearly a decade. The airport had already been attacked twice earlier this year.

In a statement posted on its official social media pages on Saturday, the council said, “In light of the ongoing events, we must remain calm and avoid disseminating unverified information. Our defense and security forces are on high alert to defend the nation.”

Residents told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that there was heavy gunfire and explosions at Base 101 in Niamey.

One resident, speaking to AFP by phone, said he heard “machine-gun fire,” adding that “the weapons we are hearing are not light arms that can be mounted on motorcycles. The fighting has been continuous without pause since Friday night.”

Several posts on social media reported shooting and explosions in Niamey, particularly in the administrative district housing the presidential palace and the headquarters of the national television station, which residents said had ceased broadcasting.

Other posts showed armored vehicles deployed in a neighborhood near the airport, while activists and associates of the military council confirmed that “the situation is under control.”