Rival factions stand off in Niger capital after mutineers attack airport, presidency

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   Mutinous soldiers attack airport, presidency in Niger capital

   Gunfire and explosions have been reported in several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, as mutinous soldiers attack the airport and presidency. The situation is not yet stabilised, with security forces deploying around the airport. Dozens of soldiers have been killed or arrested. The country is rich in gold and uranium and has faced a military takeover three years ago.

   Why it matters

   The attacks are a fresh threat to the country's stability and the ruling junta led by General Tiani. Niger has struggled with military takeovers and unrest in recent years. The country's rich natural resources have not translated to stability or prosperity for its citizens.

   What is confirmed

   • Gunfire and explosions have been heard in several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey
   • Mutinous soldiers have attacked the airport and presidency in Niger's capital
   • Dozens of soldiers were killed or arrested after an apparent mutiny in Niger's capital
   • The situation in Niger is 'not stabilised yet' as security forces deploy around the airport

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russian forces intervened during the 24-hour mutiny

   What to watch next

   • Further deployment of security forces
   • Statement from General Tiani
   • International reaction to the mutiny
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. Al Jazeera — Gunfire, blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey
   2. Reuters — Mutinous soldiers attack airport, presidency in Niger capital, sources say
   3. AP News — Gunfire and explosions reported in Niger’s capital, local media and witness say
   4. France 24 — Situation in Niger 'not stabilised yet' as security forces deploy around airport
   5. Business Insider Africa — An African country rich in gold and uranium shaken by fresh coup threat 3 years after military takeover as soldiers attack the presidency
   6. Le Monde.fr — Niger junta led by General Tiani faces attempted coup
   7. The New York Times — Soldiers in Niger Attack Presidential Palace and Airport, Shaking Junta
   8. 10TV — Dozens of soldiers were killed or arrested after an apparent mutiny in Niger’s capital of Niamey, state TV reports
   9. Reuters — Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny
   10. www.newsday.com — Inside the 24-hour mutiny that threatened Niger's ruling junta and how Russian forces intervened
   11. www.devdiscourse.com — Reuters World News Summary
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