Niger: Gunfire in Niamey as mutinous soldiers target sensitive sites and presidential palace
Heavy gunfire erupted in Niamey overnight from Friday to Saturday as a group of soldiers, reportedly at odds with the military hierarchy, attempted to seize several sensitive locations in the capital, including areas near the presidential palace. The ruling military regime stated it has progressively regained control of the situation. Residents reported shots and detonations beginning around 1 AM local time near Air Force Base 101, close to Niamey International Airport, continuing for part of the morning. A security source in West Africa confirmed an attempt to penetrate the presidential palace by insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces, who were repelled by the presidential guard. An African diplomat in Niamey confirmed that the guard has remained loyal to General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the military regime. Access to the presidency and national television was blocked by soldiers on Saturday morning, with the public television signal interrupted for over an hour before resuming. Nigerien Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, stated that security forces contained the mutiny, describing it as a group of soldiers attempting to hold comrades hostage at Base 101 and fire upon sensitive sites. He added that the prompt reaction of defense and security forces helped contain the unrest and regain control. Ibrahim Bana, a Nigerien Member of Parliament for the Alliance of Sahel States AES, also affirmed on Facebook that the situation is "totally under control of the Preside