AES Condemns Niamey Airport Attack, Warns of Coordinated Destabilisation

The Alliance of Sahel States has strongly condemned the armed attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport and the adjacent military air base, describing the incident as a coordinated attempt to destabilise Niger and the wider region.

In a statement released after the attack, the AES said the operation was neither isolated nor spontaneous, warning that those responsible, including planners, financiers and accomplices, would be pursued and held accountable. The alliance pledged full solidarity with the people and government of Niger.

The attack, which occurred late at night, involved sustained gunfire and explosions that lasted for over an hour, forcing passengers and airport workers to flee the area. Civilian flights were disrupted as security forces worked to secure the perimeter.

While no official casualty figures have been released, the scale and location of the assault have raised serious concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the Sahel. The airport and air base are considered strategic assets for both civilian travel and military operations.

The AES reaffirmed its commitment to joint security efforts, stating that the sovereignty of member states would not be compromised by armed groups seeking to exploit regional instability.

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