Niger

Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny

Explosions and gunfire echoed across Niamey early on Saturday, including around the military airbase and the presidency.

|ByREUTERS
A security officer stands guard on the street following a mutineers' attack on the airport and the presidency in Niamey, Niger, August 29, 2026.
(Illustrative) A drone picture shows a suburb following the attack on the international airport in Niamey, Niger, on January 30, 2026.

Mutinous soldiers attack airport, presidency in Niger capital, sources say

The early morning assault lasted for hours, reportedly involving soldiers from the localities of Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso in the southwest.

|ByREUTERS
- A member of the Iraqi forces walks past a mural bearing the logo of the Islamic State (IS) group in a tunnel that was reportedly used as a training centre by the jihadists, on March 1, 2017, in the village of Albu Sayf, on the southern outskirts of Mosul.

Libyan commander Haftar helped secure release of US hostage in Sahel

Reuters reported last year that Rideout was seized by three unidentified men on his way to the airport in Niamey and taken to the western Tillaberi region of Niger.

|ByREUTERS
A still image taken from an Islamic State (ISIS) video

American missionary kidnapped in Niger released, in US custody

Rideout is on his way to the United States, the Times said, adding that he was in good health based on proof-of-life images that were provided to American officials in the past 48 hours.

|ByREUTERS

Sahel alliance: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger form new defense pact - analysis

With other African states that are members of ECOWAS considering military operations, several states connected to Niger have rushed to pledge support, many of whom have had coups recently.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
FILE PHOTO: Soldiers from Burkina Faso patrol on the road of Gorgadji in the Sahel area of Burkina Faso, March 3, 2019.

Huge protests in Niger call for French forces to leave after coup

Niger's junta denounced the comments as divisive and served only to perpetrate France's neo-colonial relationship.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023ByREUTERS
Thousands of Nigeriens gather in front of the French army headquarter, in support of the putschist soldiers and to demand the French army to leave, in Niamey, Niger September 2, 2023

Gabon coup: Unrest in Africa's Sahel is becoming more common - analysis

Gabon's coup is only the latest in countries throughout Africa's Sahel region.

AUGUST 30, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Gabonese military appear on television as they announce that they have seized power following President Ali Bongo Ondimba's re-election, in this screengrab obtained by Reuters on August 30, 2023.

Niger junta expels French ambassador

The deterioration in Niger-France relations echoes post-coup developments in Mali and Burkina Faso, which have booted out French forces and severed long-standing ties.

AUGUST 26, 2023ByREUTERS
NIGER’S JUNTA supporters demonstrate in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, last week.

Is a war in West Africa shaping up in the ECOWAS-Niger dispute - analysis

Perceived-Western backing of state actors could create future divisions in an already tense climate.

AUGUST 20, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of the coup set fire to the ruling party HQ while hundreds of them gather in front of the National Assembly in the capital Niamey, Niger July 27, 2023

Why is the Niger conflict drawing global attention? - opinion

Niger is one of the least prosperous countries in the world, but has critical strategic value for several reasons.

AUGUST 16, 2023BySALEM ALKETBI
NIGER’S JUNTA supporters demonstrate in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, last week.

Niger reopens borders with several neighbors a week after coup

The borders that have reopened are mainly in remote desert areas. Niger's key entryways for trade and commerce remain closed due to sanctions imposed by the regional bloc.

AUGUST 2, 2023ByREUTERS
General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger July 28, 2023.

Russia and Iran may eye Niger as possible inroad against US in Africa

"Any military intervention against Niger would be considered as a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali," a statement reads.

AUGUST 1, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger July 30, 2023.

Will the Niger coup bring attention back to the Sahel region? - analysis

There have been at least seven other coups and military takeovers in Africa in the last decade.

JULY 29, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of the coup set fire to ruling party HQ while hundreds of them gather in front of the National Assembly in the capital Niamey, Niger July 27, 2023.

Niger coup leaders declare general Tiani head of state

"The President of the CNSP is the head of state. He represents the state of Niger in international relations," an officer said, reading out a statement.

JULY 28, 2023ByREUTERS
Hundreds of supporters of the coup gather and hold a Russian and Nigers flags in front of the National Assembly in the capital Niamey, Niger July 27, 2023.