FG reacts to Niger Coup attempt, warns against use of force to resolve political disputes

Nigeria has warned against the use of force to resolve political disagreements in the Niger Republic following reports of an attempted coup by some members of the country’s military.

The warning came after Niger’s military authorities said soldiers within the armed forces tried to overthrow the ruling junta.

Gunshots and explosions were reported in parts of Niamey, the Nigerien capital, early Saturday as attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport.

The airport, which is about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace, also houses an air force base and serves as an important military facility.

The reported coup attempt has raised fresh concerns about political stability in Niger, where the military has been in power since the 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.

The assailants reportedly also attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.

It is the third attack on the airport this year.

In a statement on Sunday, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson of Nigeria’s foreign ministry, said the country was concerned about the political and security situation in Niger.

Adeniyi said Nigeria hopes for peace, security, democracy and development in the neighbouring country.

“The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger,” the statement reads.

“It notes that, as a neighbour with which it shares close historical, fraternal and cultural bonds, the Federal Government of Nigeria is keenly desirous to see that peace, security, democracy and development reign supreme in the country.

“In this regard, it notes that a peaceful, secure and stable situation in Niger will impact positively and directly on Nigeria, the sub-region and the Sahel. Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective.”

Nigeria urged Niger authorities to work towards an “inclusive and participatory” return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of regional peace.

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