Niger’s military on Saturday said it was “gradually regaining control” after mutineers started holding soldiers hostage at a military base next to the capital’s airport and fired shots.
In a statement read out on public television and signed by Defence Minister General Salifou Mody, the authorities called on the public to “remain calm and freely go about their business”.
Heavy gunfire was heard in several areas of Niamey throughout the night, particularly around the presidential palace and the international airport, where there is also a key airbase.
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The state television signal was cut for just over an hour before being restored at about 10:00 am (0900 GMT).
Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta that has struggled to contain jihadist violence, which has blighted the West African country for around a decade.
AFP
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