🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : Niger's state-run television has finally resumed broadcasting, and a special announcement confirms that the incidents of the past few hours constitute a coup d'état. Official reports confirm that the incidents took place at Base 101 and state that the situation is under control. They are calling... on the public to remain calm and return to their normal activities.show more

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : I hear similar things regarding troops deployed for counter terrorism purposes in some provinces of Niger. It seems like a lots of reinforcement is ongoing in Niamey right now as both loyalist and mutiners are negotiating a solution.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : According to local reports, high-ranking officials from the army and the presidential guard are in the midst of negotiations, while presidential guard troops are preparing to dislodge the mutineers from the airport. Discussions are underway to prevent a potential intra-military bloodbath. As a reminder, the mutineers currently control the airport

🇳🇪🚨| Adding this info i kinda missed but the national TV was interrupted since the beginning of the attacks. It is now back since few minutes.

🇳🇪🚨| Some additional background on this attempted coup: It all seems to have begun with a wave of discontent in the army barracks, which then escalated into a mutiny, fueled by anger over the heavy casualties suffered on the battlefield. The Presidential Guard, loyal to the government, is protecting the presidential palace (there may be Russian support, but this is unclear at this stage). The army still appears to control certain strategic points in Niamey, and reinforcements are arriving from both the rebels and the loyalists. Negotiations are also reportedly underway between the two sides. The clashes could intensify in the coming hours if no solution is found.

🇳🇪🚨| The presidential palace now appears to be calm and does not seem to be the target of any attacks. The area is cordoned off by military personnel. Base 101, on the other hand, still appears to be in trouble. Guidelines are being shared on social media to avoid spreading information that suggests significant control over the information space in Niger, or even a disruption of the internet. The situation remains unclear, and no official statement has been released; it is therefore difficult to say whether the attacks (or what appears to be a coup) have succeeded or failed.

🇳🇪🚨| Sources from the AES and the government claim that the situation has calmed down (at least at the presidential palace), although it remains unclear. They claim (contrary to my sources) that this was a terrorist attack and not an attempted coup. I tend to give more credence to my sources, particularly because they mentioned the names of Nigerien officers. There has been no official statement from the Nigerien government at this time.

🇳🇪🚨| From what I understand, the situation remains unclear, but here are a few points to consider: - Several units deployed to the region as part of counterterrorism operations have returned to the capital. - The power grid has reportedly been cut off in certain areas and at strategic sites (notably the airport and the road leading to the presidential palace; to be confirmed). - The presidential palace remains secure despite targeted fire (assault rifle fire; some reports mention mortar fire as well, though I have not been able to confirm this). There is reportedly a Russian presence at From what I understand, the situation remains unclear, but here are a few points to consider: - Several units deployed to the region as part of counterterrorism operations have returned to the capital. - The power grid has reportedly been cut off in certain areas and at strategic sites (notably the airport and the road leading to the presidential palace; to be confirmed). - The presidential palace remains secure despite targeted fire (assault rifle fire; some reports mention mortar fire as well, though I have not been able to confirm this). - There is reportedly a Russian presence at one of Niger’s military bases (Bassora? No further details), and they are reportedly stranded there (it is unclear whether they have been instructed not to move or if there is another reason).

🇳🇪🚨| More images taken during the night of the gunfire exchanges in the capital. Unlike other coups I’ve covered, I’ve noticed that the volume of content (posts/videos) shared by eyewitnesses is very low, which suggests some degree of government control over social media and/or difficulties accessing the internet.

🇳🇪🚨| Additional footage taken during the night about 7 hours ago, in which the exchange of gunfire can be clearly heard. It appears that a significant number of civilians have been struck by stray bullets as a result of the exchange of gunfire.

🇳🇪🚨| Gunfire was heard until at least 7:10 a.m. local time. The situation on the ground remains uncertain as of today, and there has been no official statement. Although the media and some local sources have attributed the attacks to the Islamic State (or terrorist groups), my own sources tend to believe that this was an attempt to overthrow the government. There is no information yet on whether the attempt succeeded or failed. Reports that young Nigerien officers are behind the move, although the presidential palace and its guard are still holding their positions and preventing a change in power.

🇳🇪‼️ Summary of initial reports based on various cross-referenced sources: Explosions and heavy gunfire in Niamey in the following areas: - Diori Hamani International Airport: more intense and prolonged exchanges of gunfire - Plateau neighborhood: area around the Presidential Palace - Bassora: National Guard training camp The Defense and Security Forces have been deployed, although the situation remains unclear. This is the third time this year that Niamey has experienced this type of incident, particularly in the airport area

🇳🇪‼️| Gunshots were heard in Niamey today between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. near the airport. Initial reports suggested a terrorist attack, but given the duration of the attack, it appears to be a genuine attempt to overthrow the government. For the record : airport has been targeted by terrorist groups in the past.

🇳🇪‼️ Gunfire has been heard in Niamey, Niger, since this morning in what appears to be an ongoing coup. A thread that I will continue to update and provide more details on 🧵⬇️

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE :

🇳🇪🚨| It appears that another operation at the presidential palace is currently underway. This report comes as counterterrorism units—which had been fighting in the Tillabéri region in the west of the country, near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso—have moved into the area. It is difficult to say whether these forces are involved in an attempted coup or whether they are trying to counter it and prevent the fall of Colonel Abdourahamane Tchiani’s regime (the military leader currently in power in Niger).

Since some people are asking me whats the story on Uranium here is a full detailed thread 🧵⬇️ Last time i checked, the yellow cake (transformed uranium) was still at Niamey airport.

🇳🇪🚨| Reports says that Tiani remains in place, monitoring the situation and operations. Russian soldiers are deploying in front of villas in the capital, Niamey, where key figures from the regime’s intelligence services have taken refuge The mutineers still control the air base, which is the most sensitive strategic site for the military council and its Russian allies

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : From one source, what is happening in Niger is an attempt at a violent coup d’état, not a rebellion limited to the demands of desperate soldiers. It appears that the junta has lost control over part of the army Many units are on their way to the capital, which will take time, and the final outcome could change before they arrive General Tiani, chairman of the military council, and a group of presidential guards loyal to him are barricaded inside the presidential palace and are attempting to repel the coup plotters The coup plotters control most of the strategic axis and sites in the capital, including the airport. Other reports suggest that they are negotiating with the Russians (i assume they want them to not try to protect the power in place) and are preparing to launch a major offensive on the presidential palace if the general refuses to surrender.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : Images shared by witnesses (Kanazi, West of the capital) indicate that Niamey is on lockdown and that entry and exit are not permitted. Vehicles are being held up while they wait for the situation in the capital to develop.

Adding to the thread an audio file circulating on private circles and shared by some accounts. Like i said this should be taken with a grain of salt, but the trend remains interesting, at least from an informational standpoint.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : It is past 3:30 p.m. in Niamey, and the situation remains uncertain. According to my sources, the airport is still under the control of the mutineers. I understand that MISIN (the Italian troops deployed at Base 101) is safe and sound, although no official statement has been made regarding them. Russian mercenaries are reportedly being held in custody (or simply locked up—it’s unclear) by the mutineers who still control Base 101. Negotiations between the Russians and the mutineers are reportedly underway regarding their situation, but also to keep them out of the intra-military tensions and prevent them from interfering in the coup. There is talk of about ten prisoners; the Russian presence in Niger numbers a few hundred people. The units currently deployed are still heading toward Niamey; the situation should become clearer in the coming hours.

🇳🇪🇩🇿🚨| UPDATE : Algeria issued a statement saying that it was monitoring the situation in Niger, expressing its support for the government in power, and hoping for a swift return to calm.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : The management of Niamey Airport issued a statement indicating that Niamey Airport was continuing to operate despite the current situation in the capital.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : The Russian media outlet Sputnik Africa reports on remarks by Russian Ambassador Viktor Votopaïev, who emphasized that the military authorities in Biamey have reportedly requested assistance from the African Corps to help them deal with the ongoing mutiny. At the same time, reinforcements supporting the mutineers appear to have arrived in the capital. I understand that the Russians have already deployed at least one drone (a kamikaze drone?) near the airport, which remains under rebel control. This would mean that Russia is officially siding with the loyalists and that its troops could be sent to Niger from Libya, Mali, or another regional country where the African Corps is stationed. The sun is setting in Niamey, and it appears we are heading toward a nighttime clash between the loyalists and the rebels.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : As I caught up on the events of the past few hours, I realized that the presidential guard had launched an assault on the airport, where the rebel forces had barricaded themselves. Russian support for the loyalist forces has apparently enabled them to regain control of the airport. There are reports of several killed and taken prisoner. Russian suicide drones were indeed deployed, and the Presidential Guard engaged the mutineers. The situation regarding the mutineers remains unclear; while it’s not to say the situation is lost for them, the loyalist forces appear to have turned the tide. A few additional points of interest: - Issoufou and Tiani have been moved to a safe location - Former President Bazoum, who was being held captive by the military junta, has also been moved to an unknown location (it happened likely hours ago).

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : Some images emerging online.

🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : Niger’s national television is broadcasting footage tonight of the arrests and the deployment of presidential guard forces at the Niamey airport, stating that the situation is now under control. It appears that some soldiers were wounded, while many were taken prisoner. Several vehicles were also destroyed during the attacks. The mutineers are portrayed as aimless miscreants, and the government’s leadership in terms of management and strategy is praised (no surprise there…). The reports I’m receiving indicate above all that the government came very close to collapse, and that Russian support was significant, even if it’s difficult to truly assess its impact. There is no information on provincial units heading to Niamey; it cannot be ruled out that tensions will flare up again, even though I believe negotiations will begin. One final point: the official narrative on national television points the finger at France and accuses French President Macron of being responsible for the situation— a narrative aligned with the one pushed by Russia on social media (even on X, for that matter), which attempts to justify this movement by attributing it to alleged French action. Of course, no evidence has been provided, but France remains the ideal scapegoat for all the difficulties faced by local authorities in the region, even though its forces have been out of the country for several years now.

🇳🇪🇮🇹🚨| UPDATE : Adding here the official statement from italian ministry of defence regarding the situation of their troops at Niamey airport. As a reminder, there are 300 troops deployed at Niamey airport, part of MISIN (Italy's Bilateral Support and Assistance Mission to Niger) active since 2018. Cc @ItalyinNiger

🇳🇪🇲🇱🇧🇫🇷🇺🚨| UPDATE : The Russian news agency TASS confirms that Niger’s General Staff visited Base 101 and personally thanked the Russian personnel for their role in subduing the mutineers. This information comes from the Russian ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, who also highlighted the Algerian government’s support in his statement. In another statement, the same ambassador suggested that the destabilization originated from outside the country (implying France without naming it), in line with the narrative promoted by the AES and Russia on social media. The narrative is very subtle and carefully crafted, yet a bit late. (Hello @ambassade_russe / @rusembniger ) Regarding the local situation : - The leaders of the military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso called their Nigerien counterpart, Tiani, by phone. - Search operations in the city. - An official statement expected in the coming hours or days.

🇳🇪🇧🇫🇲🇱🚨| UPDATE : The official statement from the AES, based in Burkina Faso, was also broadcast on Burkinabè national television RTB. It asserts that the mutineers are traitors and that the situation is now under control. The alliance expresses its support for Niger. The statement concludes by warning of the risk of misinformation and manipulation on social media and calls on the public to follow only official information. *sigh*

🇩🇿🇳🇪🚨| UPDATE : In the aftermath of the attempted coup in Niger, Algeria sent four Su-30 fighter jets, one IL-76, and one IL-78 to the Niamey airport.

Niger secretly sold 1,000 tons of uranium to Russia" I assume we’re discussing Orano’s yellowcake that was an interest for Iran 1-2 years ago. Such convoy wont be invisible and i hardly see it crossing sahelian states and heading to Lomé without anyone noticing, but i cz’Rusia