Soldiers Attack Presidential Palace in Niger Coup Attempt

On August 29, 2023, armed soldiers launched an attack in Niamey, Niger's capital, targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and attempting to breach the presidential palace. The assault began around 1 a.m., with the Nigerien Ministry of Defence confirming that Air Base 101, which hosts Russian Corps personnel and some Italian forces, was among the sites attacked.

The assailants reportedly held the airport temporarily and took Russian mercenaries hostage. Salifou Moudi, Niger's Minister of National Defence, stated that security forces responded quickly to the situation.

Analysts suggested that the scale of the operation indicated involvement from Niger's special forces, with Beatrice Bianchi classifying the events as a coup attempt due to the level of violence. President Abdourahamane Tchiani, who came to power in July 2023, was reported to be inside the presidential palace during the attack.

The unrest follows previous militant attacks on the same airport, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.