Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions have been heard near the Diori Hamani International Airport outside Niamey, the capital of Niger. The unrest began shortly after midnight, with multiple eyewitness accounts and videos indicating that air defense systems were engaging unidentified projectiles.
According to reports, the situation calmed down within a couple of hours, with officials claiming that it was under control, though details were sparse. Residents near the airport described the chaotic scene, noting that shots seemed to be fired from outside the airport, with some targeting aircraft.
Witnesses conveyed their sense of fear during the gunfire and explosions, with one local resident stating, Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions. Unconfirmed reports suggested that assailants may have thrown explosive devices before engaging with security forces.
The airport, which houses an air force base, is located approximately 10 kilometers from the presidential palace, raising concerns over potential security implications. As flights to Niamey were diverted, a heavy security presence surrounded the airport on Thursday morning.
Niger is currently led by a military government following a coup in 2023, which has compounded the challenges of battling jihadist violence affecting the region, similar to neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali.
The prevailing uncertainty also intertwines with Niger’s critical role as a uranium producer, recently facing disruptions related to the nationalization of its uranium mines. A government official reassured that the situation was under control and efforts were underway to determine any links between the gunfire and ongoing uranium shipment issues.
