AU condemns foiled mutiny in Niger

The head of the African Union on Tuesday voiced his concern after a failed mutiny in Niger, condemning any attempt to seize power by force.

Niger has been run by General Abdourahamane Tiani since a coup in July 2023 that toppled the elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained ever since.

The military has been struggling to stem jihadist violence that has plagued the country, and on Saturday foiled a mutiny by disgruntled soldiers within its ranks with the help of its Russian paramilitary allies.

The unrest left five people dead, according to media reports and family members.

Three presidential guards were killed in the fighting, and a young man died after picking up an explosive device, according to state news agency ANP.

Another civilian died after being hit by gunfire, according to relatives.

In a statement, the AU Commission said its chief, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, had been following the armed clashes at sensitive sites in Niger's capital Niamey "with concern".

"The chairperson... strongly condemns the use of violence and any attempt to seize power by force. He calls on all actors to exercise restraint and to safeguard the security of the population and the stability of the country," it added.

The AU, which suspended Niger following the July 2023 coup, renewed its call for "the restoration of constitutional order".

Tiani has not spoken publicly since the mutiny.

But his office said he had spoken by phone Monday with Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and confirmed the "exceptional deployment" to Niamey on Sunday of Algerian fighter jets at Niger's request.