Niger’s junta says ‘regaining control’ after clashes in capital

Gunfire was also reported at several sites in Niamey during the night from Friday to Saturday.

Sustained gunfire and explosions were heard from shortly after midnight into Saturday morning around the airport and in the Plateau administrative district, where the presidential palace and other key government institutions are located.

The attack marked the latest threat to the rule of Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup.

Tiani had pledged to improve security in the Sahel nation, a major uranium producer, but jihadist attacks have persisted.