Clashes in Niger's Niamey after troops attempt to storm presidential palace

Gunfire broke out overnight in Niger's capital, Niamey, as soldiers attempted to storm the presidential palace, Dawn reports. The presidential guard pushed back the assault, and fighting continued into the morning near an air base by the airport, where mutineers had reportedly taken hostages. Defence Minister Salifou Mody urged the public to stay calm as authorities said they were gradually regaining control. Niger has been run by a military junta since a 2023 coup, and the country has spent the past decade battling rival terrorist groups competing for dominance in the Sahel region.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton