GUNFIRE AND EXPLOSIONS ROCK NIGER’S CAPITAL AS MILITARY MUTINY THREATENS GOVERNMENT
Niamey, the capital of Niger, was shaken by heavy gunfire and explosions on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after a group of soldiers reportedly launched an attempted mutiny against the country's military authorities. The unrest began during the early hours of the morning around sensitive locations in the capital, including the Diori Hamani International Airport and areas close to the presidential palace. Residents reported hearing sustained gunfire and explosions across several parts of Niamey, creating fear and uncertainty among civilians. Niger's Defence Ministry later confirmed that soldiers had rebelled against officers at a military base near the airport. Defence Minister General Salifou Mody described the incident as a breach of military discipline and said security forces were working to restore control. Reports from international news agencies indicated that the mutinous soldiers targeted strategic locations and that fighting continued for several hours. The pre...