29.08.2026 Heavy gunfire and explosions have rocked Niger’s capital Niamey as rebel soldiers reportedly attacked the airport and presidency in what appears to be a serious military mutiny.
(Image: courtesy Nathalie Lays)The unrest reportedly involves troops pulled from Ouallam, Tera and Dosso, frontline areas where Niger’s army has taken heavy losses fighting ISIS-linked militants.
Attempted military coup ongoing in Niger.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 29, 2026
Parts of the military, supported by special forces, have attacked the airport and presidential palace in Niamey.
Both loyalist and rebel elements of the military have left their positions in the south where they were fighting against… pic.twitter.com/RWb7cS4CuW
Loyalist forces secured the presidential palace, while the defense minister says the government is gradually regaining control.
Niger has already seen successful coups in 1974, 1996, 1999, 2010 and 2023.
La tentative de mutinerie au Niger aurait pu être coordonnée de l'extérieur, a déclaré Viktor Voropaïev, ambassadeur de Russie à Niamey
— Sputnik Afrique (@sputnik_afrique) August 29, 2026
En cas de prise de l’aéroport Diori Hamani et d’autres infrastructures, les mutins auraient dû assurer l’arrivée de forces extérieures, selon… https://t.co/OOtBcV3EhU pic.twitter.com/G6Vo81RrgO
The military seized power last time promising to restore security.
Now it has to secure itself.
Niger's 🇳🇪 military ruler Gen. Tchiani overthrown?
— Kennedy Wandera (@KennedyWandera_) August 29, 2026
Mutineering soldiers in #Niger claim to have overthrown transitional leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, according to an audio message circulating online. The audio has not been verified and no official statement has been… pic.twitter.com/5u8fY6ehH4