According to the WeChat public account of the Chinese Embassy in Niger, local Nigerian media reports indicate that attacks occurred in the capital Niamey's airport and downtown areas early on August 29.
The Chinese Embassy in Niger once again reminds Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese living in Niger to pay close attention to the security situation, maintain high security awareness, strengthen security measures, improve security arrangements, prepare for emergencies, minimize unnecessary outings, avoid staying in public places for too long, avoid traveling at night and acting alone, and stay away from dangerous and sensitive areas. Chinese-funded enterprises should effectively strengthen safety measures, prepare emergency plans, carry out work under the premise of ensuring safety, strictly prohibit high-risk outdoor operations, and ensure the personal safety of employees and the property safety of enterprises.
In case of an emergency, please report to the police promptly and contact the Chinese Embassy in Niger, ensuring your own safety at all times.
Niger Emergency Help Line: 17
Foreign Affairs Ministry Global Consular Protection & Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308
Niger Embassy Consular Protection and Assistance Phone: +227-90373888
Screenshot of the WeChat Public Account of the Chinese Embassy in Niger
According to CCTV news, around 1 a.m. local time on August 29th, intense gunfire and explosions were heard in several key areas of Niamey, the capital of Niger. Armed groups attacked Diopoulo Hamani International Airport and Air Force Base No. 101, and tried to break through the security lines around the presidential palace. The intense fighting continued until dawn.
At around 8:00 local time on August 29, the Niger National Committee for Defending the Motherland released an official poster and statement, stating that the defense and security forces had been fully mobilized to defend the country. The statement called on the general public to remain calm, united, and vigilant in the face of the current emergency situation, and to avoid spreading unverified information.
As of 9:00 am local time on August 29th, Niger's national television station has ceased broadcasting. Nyamé Diori Hammadi International Airport has been closed, and the road leading to the presidential palace has been blocked.
Currently, armed confrontations in Nyame City continue, and the situation in the capital has not yet been effectively controlled.
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa. It borders Chad to the east, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Benin and Nigeria to the south, and Algeria and Libya to the north.
Niger became a French West African colony in 1904. It became a French colony in 1922. In 1957, it gained a semi-autonomous status. On December 18, 1958, it became an autonomous republic within the French Community. In July 1960, it withdrew from the French Community, and on August 3, it officially declared independence. A multi-party system was implemented in 1990. In January 2011, Niger held local, legislative, and the first round of presidential elections.
On July 26, 2023, some members of the Nigerien presidential guard detained the then-president Bazoum, and announced the establishment of a “National Committee for Defending the Country” to take over power. Chiani, the commander of the presidential guard, was appointed as the chairman of the committee, and the head of state. A transitional military government was also established.
