Calm Restored in Niger Following Gunfire Near Niamey Airport
Niger has recently experienced a surge of tension, particularly near the Diori Hamani international airport in Niamey. Following an incident of gunfire that erupted shortly after midnight, calm was restored two hours later, according to local residents.
Context of the Gunfire Incident
This recent disturbance occurs within a broader context of ongoing jihadist violence in the region. Niger is currently ruled by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who took control from the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, during a coup on July 26, 2023.
Details of the Incident
Residents reported hearing gunfire near the airport, located approximately ten kilometers from the presidency. The airport serves as a crucial military hub, hosting a Nigerien air force base, a drone facility, and the headquarters for a collaborative military force with Burkina Faso and Mali.
- Date of incident: Late night, just after midnight
- Location: Diori Hamani international airport, Niamey
- Key figures: General Abdourahamane Tiani, Mohamed Bazoum (overthrown president)
- Military context: Headquarters for the Unified Force against jihadist threats
The precise cause of the gunfire remains unclear, although social media posts from the area depicted bright trails in the sky, suggesting possible anti-aircraft defenses were in action. Flames and damaged vehicles were also reported but have not been independently verified.
Call to Action Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the return to calm around 02:00 AM, supporters of the military regime urged residents to take to the streets to “defend the country.” Sirens from fire trucks responding to the situation were also noted by those living nearby.
Impact on Air Travel
A passenger flight from Algiers, scheduled to land in Niamey during the unrest, was redirected to Burkina Faso as a precautionary measure. Additionally, significant quantities of uranium, a primary export of Niger, were reportedly secured at the airport.
Ongoing Challenges in Niger
Violence driven by jihadist groups continues to plague Niger, particularly in the western regions close to the capital. The country, part of the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, has sought to combat these threats together.
- Joint force established: 5,000 personnel
- Recent reports of violence: Nearly 2,000 deaths attributed to jihadist activities in 2025 alone.
- Additional threats: Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in southeastern Niger.
As tensions persist in the region, the collaborative efforts of Niger and its neighboring states aim to enhance national security against these ongoing threats.
