Heavy Gunfire in Niger, Presidential Guards Block Roads

Heavy gunfire was heard on Wednesday around the presidential palace in Niger’s capital, Niamey at about 3.am local time (0200 GMT), according to agency reports.

The gunshots lasted for about 30 minutes, residents said, adding that gunfire was also heard early in the morning in the area of Niamey International Airport, where Niger’s military base is located.

Reports said the presidential guard has blocked all access routes to the palace at strategic points.