Calm Returns to Niger Capital After Failed Mutiny

Life in Niamey returned to normal days after Niger’s military regime put down a mutiny by soldiers.

Intense fighting took place in the early hours of Saturday before dozens of soldiers were detained. Several others were killed as they tried to storm the presidential palace.

READ ALSO: Niger Military Battles Mutineers Near Capital Airport

The troops were reportedly unhappy about the government’s failure to quell militant activity in the country.

It was the third time the capital has seen fighting this year but the two previous incidents involved jihadists attacking a key military base within the airport.

“As soon as there’s a mutiny, it means things aren’t going well,” Niamey resident Hassane Assoumane, said on Sunday.

“It means that perhaps the soldiers have something to demand, and now it’s up to the current authorities to find a solution.”

Niger’s leader, General Abdourahmane Tiani, came to power in a coup three years ago, promising to improve security.

But his regime has struggled to stop attacks by groups affiliated with the so-called Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Tiani has cut ties with its former colonial power France and sought support from other partners, including Iran, Turkey and Russia.

Russia’s paramilitary Africa Corps reportedly helped repel Saturday’s mutiny.