Niamey is on a knife edge. Heavy gunfire and explosions have been reported at the Diori Hamani International Airport, with sources on the ground describing a sustained exchange of fire that began in the early hours. The presidential guard, long considered the Praetorian guard of the regime, is believed to be involved.
This has all the hallmarks of a classic putsch. The airport is effectively sealed off. Flights diverted.
The question now is who holds the loyalty of the military. President Bazoum, a key Western ally in the Sahel, has not been seen or heard from since the incident began. His location is unknown.
My sources in the security establishment are circumspect. They speak of 'men in uniform' moving on the capital. This is a familiar pattern.
We have seen it in Mali, in Burkina Faso. The contagion of coups is spreading. The immediate fear is for the safety of civilians and diplomatic personnel.
The French embassy has reportedly activated emergency protocols. The international community will be watching with bated breath. But the game on the ground is one of tanks and rifles, not cables and communiques.
For now, the outcome is uncertain. One thing is clear: the stability of Niger, a linchpin in the fight against jihadist groups, is hanging in the balance.
