Nigeria cautions against force after reported coup attempt in Niger

Nigeria has cautioned against using force to resolve political disagreements in Niger Republic after the country’s military government announced that some soldiers had attempted to overthrow the junta.

Early Saturday, gunshots and explosions were reported in parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, as attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport.

The airport, which is home to an air force base and a key military facility, is situated roughly 10km from the presidential palace.

The attackers were also said to have tried to penetrate the security perimeter surrounding the presidency.

The incident marks the third attack on the airport this year.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for Nigeria’s foreign ministry, expressed concern over the political and security developments in Niger.

Adeniyi said Nigeria wants peace, security, democracy and development to prevail 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 called on the Nigerien authorities to pursue an “inclusive and participatory” path towards restoring stability and constitutional order for the sake of peace across the region.