Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, early Saturday, in what observers described as an attack lasting about two hours.
The incident targeted the airport and a security perimeter near the presidency, according to Reuters.
This marks the third such security incident in the junta-led country this year. Earlier attacks, which were attributed to jihadists, also targeted areas of Niamey, including the international airport, as reported by Premium Times.
Bana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, announced the attack on Facebook, calling it “another cowardly attack against Base 101” and stating that the defense and security forces had the situation “under control.”
However, witnesses reported that the attack continued after his post, according to Reuters.
The motive and perpetrators of the attack remain unclear. Analysts have offered differing views, with some blaming jihadists and others suspecting coup plotters.
Wasim Nasir, a French journalist covering Sahel violence, posted on X that the attack is likely a “coup d’état” and/or a settling of scores between military personnel.
Hasret Kargin, a conflict researcher, noted that there is currently no information on whether the attack was carried out by jihadists or was an attempted coup, adding that rebel groups could also be a possibility given recent attacks.
Niger has faced persistent jihadi threats from groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Lake Chad region and the Sahel. The military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, seized power in July 2023, detaining President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since then, the regime has contended with ongoing jihadi attacks and a fallout with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday’s violence, and the government had not issued further official statements at the time of reporting.
Source: allAfrica.com