Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Heavy Gunfire and Explosions Reported Across Niger’s Capital
People in Niamey, Niger, heard loud gunfire and explosions early Saturday.
Witnesses said the sounds came from several parts of the capital.
Some shooting was reported near the presidential palace.
Shots were also heard near the city’s international airport.
One witness said heavy gunfire was still happening around the palace.
It is not known who was firing or what caused the violence.
Niger has been ruled by a military government since a 2023 coup.
The government had not yet explained what was happening.
Sustained gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of Niamey early Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses.
Witnesses reported shooting near the presidential palace and Diori Hamani International Airport.
One witness said heavy gunfire exchanges continued around the presidential palace.
Niger has been governed by the military since a July 2023 coup removed President Mohamed Bazoum.
The government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, was not immediately available to comment.
- Who
- Two Reuters witnesses reported the sounds; Niger’s military government is led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
- What
- Sustained gunfire and explosions were reported across several areas of Niamey.
- When
- Early Saturday, August 29; the year was not specified in the report.
- Where
- Niamey, including areas near the presidential palace and Diori Hamani International Airport.
- Why
- The cause of the gunfire and explosions was not immediately reported.
- Location
- Niamey, Niger
- Reported activity
- Sustained gunfire and explosions
- Reported sites
- The presidential palace and Diori Hamani International Airport
- Source
- Two Reuters witnesses
- Government
- Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup
- Military leader
- General Abdourahamane Tiani
- Official response
- Niger’s government was not immediately available for comment