Attempted Coup in Republic of Niger: Fighting Erupts in Capital Over Presidential Palace and Airport

In the capital of the Republic of the Niger, Niamey, armed individuals attacked key government and military facilities, including the airport and the presidential palace.

This was reported by Reuters, citing its own sources in the country’s security agencies and among diplomats.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in several areas of the city, and state television and radio broadcasts were temporarily suspended.

According to available information, military units from the regions of Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso, located in the southwestern part of the country, were involved in the assault.

Units from these regions had long suffered significant losses in battles against a local cell of the Islamic State terrorist organization.

In addition to the presidential palace, the 101st Air Force Base, located on the grounds of the capital’s civilian airport, was also attacked.

Government sources and representatives of the AES (Alliance des États du Sahel) stated that loyalist forces had regained the upper hand, though localized fighting continued in the area around the airport.

The current regime, led by General Omar Abdourahamane Tiani, came to power in July 2023 following a military coup, ousting democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum from office.

Despite promises by the military leadership to stabilize the security situation, the country continues to suffer from attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

After coming to power, the junta severed ties with Western partners, withdrew from the ECOWAS bloc, and formed a new alliance with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.

The regime also tightened control over uranium mining by nationalizing the assets of the French company Orano, which provided a significant portion of Europe’s nuclear fuel supply.

It should be recalled that in the first half of 2025, Russia agreed to provide weapons and conduct training for the joint forces of the military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.