Fighting broke out on Saturday in Niger's capital, Niamey, between the presidential guard and rebel military units.The military junta has fought back with the help of Russian forces.
A diplomatic source said late Saturday that the military junta had managed to retake an important military base in the capital from the rebels.
The presidential guard has regained control with the help of Russians, said a source whose statement was confirmed by unnamed people within the security forces.
Several of the insurgents were reported to have been killed in the fighting.
In a statement broadcast on national television in the afternoon, Defence Minister and General Salifou Mody urged the public to “remain calm and continue operating as usual.
The message came after a day when widespread gunfire was heard in several areas of the capital, but especially around the presidential palace and the international airport, which also serves as a military air base.
The uprising began on Saturday morning.
The rebels, who come from Niger's military, took junta-loyal soldiers hostage at a military base and tried to take the presidential palace, but were driven back although gunfire is still ongoing, according to security sources.
Niger's leader Abdourahamane Tiani has been leading a military junta in the African country for three years. Islamist groups have long waged an armed resistance, fighting that has intensified recently.
In addition, armed uprisings and targeted protests have occurred repeatedly in the capital. This year, there have been three attacks targeting the military regime that took power in a coup in 2023.
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