Niamey (Niger), 29 August (LaPresse/AP) – Niger’s armed forces and security forces have been mobilised to ensure the country’s defence following gunfire and explosions reported overnight in Niamey, including in the vicinity of the international airport and the neighbourhood housing the presidential palace. This was announced by the ruling military junta, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), which called on the public to maintain “unity, vigilance and support” for the security forces. “Our defence and security forces have been mobilised to defend the fatherland,” the CNSP wrote in a message posted on social media. The causes of the gunfire and explosions remain unclear. A local MP described the incident as a “cowardly attack”. The area around Diori Hamani Airport, which is also home to a major military base, has already been the scene of two jihadist attacks in recent months, whilst the military junta is facing mounting pressure from armed groups operating in the country.
Niger, military junta: ‘Security forces mobilised to defend the country’
Niamey (Niger), 29 August (LaPresse/AP) – Niger’s armed forces and security forces have been mobilised to ensure the country’s defence following gunfire and explosions reported overnight in Niamey, including in the vicinity of the international airport and the neighbourhood housing the presidential palace. This was announced by the ruling military junta, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), which called on the public to maintain “unity, vigilance and support” for the security forces. “Our defence and security forces have been mobilised to defend the fatherland,” the CNSP wrote in a message posted on social media. The causes of the gunfire and explosions remain unclear. A local MP described the incident as a “cowardly attack”. The area around Diori Hamani Airport, which is also home to a major military base, has already been the scene of two jihadist attacks in recent months, whilst the military junta is facing mounting pressure from armed groups operating in the country.