Gunfire and explosions reported in various locations in Niamey, Niger

Multiple Shootings Reported in Niamey, Niger

Gunfire and explosions were reported in various areas of Niamey, the capital city of Niger, on Saturday morning. According to two Reuters witnesses, shots were heard near the Diori Hamani international airport and close to the presidential palace.

The witnesses described the situation as “exchanges of heavy gunfire” with ongoing shooting around the presidential palace. The exact cause of the violence is not yet known.

Niger has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum ousted from office. Since then, the country’s government has shifted its diplomatic ties towards Russia, aligning itself with other military-led governments in neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

As of now, Niger’s government has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Reuters news agency reported that the government was unavailable for comment at this time.

Source: Al Jazeera