Heavy gunfire and loud blasts were reported near Niger’s Diori Hamani International Airport, just outside the capital, Niamey, in the early hours of Thursday, raising questions about the cause of the incident.
Residents living close to the airport told AFP that sustained gunfire began shortly after midnight and continued for nearly two hours. Videos circulating on social media showed air defence systems firing at unidentified objects in the sky.
Calm later returned, with an official quoted by Anadolu Agency saying the situation was “under control”, though no further details were provided. Niger’s military has yet to issue a formal statement, and it remains unclear whether there were any casualties.
The airport, which also hosts an air force base, is located approximately 10 kilometres from the presidential palace in Niamey.
Niger has been ruled by a military government since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tiani led a coup that removed the country’s elected civilian leadership. The country, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, continues to face attacks from jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions over uranium exports. A large shipment of uranium destined for export has been stranded at the airport following the government’s decision to nationalise uranium mining operations, sparking legal and diplomatic disputes with France.
An official from Niger’s foreign affairs ministry told Anadolu Agency that authorities were investigating whether the overnight gunfire was linked to the stalled uranium shipment, but offered no further clarification.
Source: BBC
