Unrest reported in Niger capital Niamey

On the night between Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The disturbances were primarily concentrated around Base 101, a military facility located adjacent to the international airport. By the morning of August 29, the presidential guard confirmed they had repelled an attempt by military mutineers to storm the presidential palace.

The government of Niger responded by mobilizing security forces across the capital, describing the events as an attack on both the airport and the seat of the presidency. At approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, state television and radio broadcasts were interrupted for two hours before normal transmission resumed. Authorities have appealed for calm, though the situation remains volatile.

Niger has been under the control of a military junta for more than three years. The ruling group originally seized power with the stated mandate of restoring national security and sovereignty, yet the nation continues to struggle against an persistent wave of jihadist violence. The recent incidents mark a significant escalation of instability within the country as the government attempts to maintain order amid persistent internal challenges.