Heavy gunfire heard near presidency in Niger capital

Heavy gunfire heard near presidency in Niger capital

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.



Gulf Today Report

Residents of Niger's capital Niamey said on Wednesday they heard shots, two days ahead of the swearing-in of president-elect Mohamed Bazoum, including from heavy weapons, during the night in a district that includes the presidency.

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"It was around 3:00 am, we have heard shots from heavy and light weapons and it lasted 15 minutes before stopping, followed by shots from light weapons," one resident of Niamey's Plateau district, which includes the president's official residence and offices, told AFP.



"The gunfire lasted about 20 minutes," another resident said.



The government of Niger was not immediately available to comment.

There have been growing attacks by militants, and political tensions in the country following the Bazoum's victory in a February presidential