Report: Tension as heavy gunfire rattles near presidential palace in Niger Republic

There was heavy gunfire near the presidential palace of Niger Republic on Wednesday ahead of the inauguration of Mohammed Bazoum, the president-elect.

According to Reuters, the gunfire close to the presidential palace in Niamey, the capital, which is believed to be an attempted coup, began around 3am in the morning and lasted for 30 minutes.

However, the presidential guard was said to have repelled the attack on the palace. There is no report of casualties from the incident at the moment.

In February, Bazoum, former interior minister, won the country’s presidential election which has been touted as the first democratic transition in Niger Republic.

Bazoum defeated Mahamane Ousmane, former president, who rejected the results of the run-off.

Earlier in the month, the constitutional court affirmed Bazoum’s victory.

This has led to protest from supporters of the former president causing rising security challenges in the country.

The president-elect is expected to be sworn in on April 2.

The government is yet to comment on the development.