Life returned to normal in Niger’s capital on Sunday, a day after security forces crushed an attempted army mutiny that left several soldiers dead and dozens detained.
Heavy fighting broke out early Saturday as soldiers reportedly tried to storm the presidential palace. The mutiny was later brought under control by forces loyal to the military government.
A resident of Niamey, Hassane Assoumane, said the incident raised questions about the country’s security situation.
“As soon as there’s a mutiny, it means that things aren’t going well,” Assoumane said.
The soldiers were reportedly frustrated by the government’s struggle to contain attacks by armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
General Abdourahmane Tiani seized power in a 2023 coup and promised to improve security. His government has since ended military cooperation with France and strengthened ties with countries including Russia, Turkey and Iran.
Russia’s Africa Corps is also reported to have helped government forces put down Saturday’s mutiny.
The fighting was the third major security incident in Niamey this year, highlighting the pressure facing Niger’s military rulers as they try to contain growing militant violence.