Heavy gunfire heard near presidency in Niger’s capital

Heavy gunfire was heard near Niger’s presidency in the early hours of Wednesday, two days ahead of the swearing-in of president-elect Mohamed Bazoum, a Reuters reporter said.

Heavy gunfire started around 3am local time (0200 GMT) and lasted for around 30 minutes.

The government of Niger was not immediately available to comment.

There have been growing attacks by militants and political tensions in the country following Bazoum’s victory in a February presidential election runoff.

Former president Mahamane Ousmane, who lost in the runoff, has rejected the results and said there was fraud.