Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard near the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, late on Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Eyewitness accounts describe air defense systems engaging unidentified projectiles that caused significant alarm among local residents.
A local residing near the Diori Hamani International Airport reported that the gunfire began shortly after midnight and continued intermittently for about two hours, with many residents expressing their fear and anxiety over the escalating situation. 'We didn’t sleep last night,' said one local, describing how the sounds shook her home.
Calm reportedly returned after the incident, with an official stating that the situation was under control, yet there was no detailed explanation of the events that transpired. Residents have raised concerns about the implications of the violence, particularly given Niger's ongoing political upheaval and national security challenges, including the threat from jihadist groups in the region.
Despite the chaos, supporters of the military government took to the streets to demonstrate their backing for the current regime, established after a recent coup that ousted the previously elected president.
As investigations continue into the incident, questions remain regarding any potential casualties and whether the blasts were related to unresolved diplomatic issues surrounding the nation's uranium exports, a vital resource for Niger and a point of contention with France following the nationalization of mines.
