The Federal Government has warned against the use of force to resolve political differences in Niger Republic following an attempted mutiny by soldiers within the country’s armed forces.
The warning came after gunfire and explosions rocked parts of Niamey, the Nigerien capital, in the early hours of Saturday as mutinous soldiers launched attacks on key military and government installations.
The attackers reportedly targeted Base 101 at Diori Hamani International Airport, a strategic military facility located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace. The assailants also attempted to breach security around the presidency as the confrontation escalated.
The unrest temporarily disrupted state broadcasting and triggered heightened security across the capital. The airport has also come under attack on several occasions this year, underscoring the growing security challenges facing the country.
Niger’s authorities later said government forces had regained control of the affected locations and contained the mutiny.
The development has nevertheless renewed concerns about political stability and divisions within Niger’s military establishment, which has been under increasing pressure from worsening jihadist violence and mounting security challenges.
Reacting to the situation, Nigeria expressed deep concern over the political and security developments in its neighbouring country.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the Federal Government reaffirmed its desire to see peace, security, democracy and development restored in Niger.
Nigeria cautioned that the use of force to settle political differences could further undermine stability in Niger and have wider consequences for the West African sub-region and the Sahel.
The Federal Government therefore urged the Nigerien authorities to pursue an inclusive and participatory process towards restoring stability and constitutional order.
The latest attempted takeover represents a significant challenge to General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has led Niger since the military seized power in July 2023 and ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The incident also highlights the broader instability confronting the Sahel, where military governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have struggled to contain persistent attacks by jihadist groups despite changes in their security partnerships.
Reports indicate that the latest mutiny was linked to growing dissatisfaction among some soldiers over the worsening security situation and heavy military losses in the fight against armed extremist groups.
The crisis has also drawn attention to Niger’s increasingly close security relationship with Russia following its break with several Western partners. Russian Africa Corps personnel were reportedly involved in efforts to help loyalist forces suppress the mutiny.
For Nigeria, developments in Niger Republic remain a matter of strategic concern because of the countries’ shared border, longstanding social and cultural ties, and the potential for instability in Niger to spill over into the wider region.
The Federal Government’s latest position reinforces its preference for dialogue and a peaceful political process, warning that further resort to force could deepen instability and complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace across the Sahel.
