Niger junta asserts control after soldiers' mutiny in Niamey
Niger's ruling junta announced it has regained control after mutinous soldiers initiated armed clashes in the capital, Niamey, on Saturday. The unrest involved an assault on the presidential palace and disruption of state broadcasting. The military regime, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has governed Niger for three years and is struggling to contain jihadist violence that has affected the West African nation for a decade. After several hours of intense gunfire around sensitive sites in Niamey, the junta stated on state television that it was progressively re-establishing control. Diplomatic and security sources informed AFP that members of Niger's presidential guard, supported by Russian forces, had retaken control of the strategic Air Base 101, resulting in some mutineers being killed. The clashes began shortly after midnight, with soldiers blocking access to the presidential palace and the national television channel, Tele Sahel, which ceased broadcasting for over an hour before resuming around 10:00 AM. A security source told AFP that "insurgents from the Niger armed forces attempted to enter the presidential palace" but were repelled by the presidential guard. Niger's Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, confirmed on state television that a group of soldiers had taken troops hostage in a Niamey barracks and fired upon "certain sensitive sites" in the city. He added that troops and security forces quickly reasserted control and urged the public to remain calm. R
