Niger’s Head of junta has accused the presidents of France, Benin, and the Ivory Coast of backing those responsible for the attack on Niamey Airport. Suspected jihadists launched an attack at the airport from Wednesday to Thursday, but services returned to normal during the course of the day. General Abdourahamane Tiani, while speaking on state radio, however, thanked Russia for its help in foiling an attack. “We commend all the defence and security forces… as...

Loud explosions and heavy gunfire were heard on Wednesday night around the Niamey International Airport in the Republic of Niger. Niger is grappling with an armed insurgency by jihadist groups. Video filmed by residents of the area showed streaks of light in the sky, accompanied by loud explosions, while other images showed flames several metres high. According to the local sources, calm has since returned to the area, but the identity of the attackers remains unknown....