Niger coup attempt: Gunfire, explosions rock Niamey as soldiers revolt

Niger Republic was plunged into fresh tension on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after a group of soldiers reportedly launched an uprising in the capital, Niamey, attacking strategic military and government locations in what authorities described as a mutiny and sources close to the military government characterised as a failed coup attempt.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around the Diori Hamani International Airport, the adjoining Base 101 military facility and areas close to the Presidential Palace, as security forces moved to contain the uprising.

Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said the soldiers had broken military discipline, attempted to detain some of their colleagues at Base 101 and opened fire on sensitive locations in the capital.

According to Mody, loyal defence and security forces responded rapidly, preventing the mutiny from spreading and gradually restoring control over the affected areas.

The minister said the authorities had mobilised security personnel to contain the situation and protect key government and military installations.

However, security sources said the confrontation was more serious than an isolated disciplinary incident, with the soldiers reportedly attempting to move against the country’s leadership.

A security source cited in international reports said the mutineers attempted to enter the Presidential Palace, but were repelled by members of the presidential guard loyal to military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The reported attempt to reach the presidential compound heightened concerns that the incident could develop into a broader challenge to the military government.

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The unrest also affected Niger’s state broadcaster, with television and radio transmissions reportedly interrupted during the early stages of the confrontation.

State broadcasting later resumed, carrying the government’s account that mutinous soldiers had attacked sensitive sites and that loyal security forces had moved to contain them.

Residents in parts of Niamey reported hearing sustained exchanges of gunfire, while security forces were deployed around strategic locations, including the airport, military installations and government facilities.

Authorities subsequently appealed to residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, insisting that security forces were in control of the situation.

However, reports indicated that the situation remained fluid, with some of the soldiers allegedly barricaded at Base 101 while security forces worked to fully secure the facility.

The identities of all the soldiers involved, their precise demands and the extent of their support within the armed forces had not been fully established as of Saturday.

There were also no independently verified casualty figures immediately available.

The latest incident is particularly significant because Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when General Tchiani led the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Tchiani subsequently became the head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the military body that has governed the country since the coup.

The new uprising represents a potentially serious internal challenge to the junta, particularly as Niger continues to face attacks from jihadist groups operating across the country’s borders with Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

Niger’s armed forces have been fighting insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State in several parts of the country, with military units frequently deployed to remote and conflict-affected areas.

The security situation has been one of the central issues used by the military authorities to justify their continued hold on power.

The latest unrest also comes amid major changes in Niger’s foreign and defence relationships.

Since the 2023 coup, the military government has distanced itself from France and several Western partners while strengthening ties with Russia and deepening security cooperation with neighbouring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have also formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after breaking away from the regional Economic Community of West African States.

Despite those changes, persistent jihadist attacks have continued to pose a major challenge to the three Sahel countries.

The strategic importance of the locations targeted during Saturday’s unrest also added to the seriousness of the incident.

Base 101, located near Diori Hamani International Airport, is an important military facility and has previously been targeted by armed groups.

The airport itself has also faced security threats in 2026, highlighting the vulnerability of strategic infrastructure in the capital.

The latest confrontation therefore has implications beyond the immediate political crisis, as any prolonged instability in Niamey could affect the government’s ability to coordinate military operations against insurgent groups across the country.

The Nigerien government has maintained that loyal security forces are restoring order and has urged citizens to reject rumours and remain calm.

Meanwhile, investigations are expected to focus on the soldiers involved, their motives, their possible demands and whether other elements within the armed forces supported the attempted uprising.

While the government has so far characterised the incident as a mutiny and breach of military discipline, reports from sources close to the regime have described it as an attempted coup.

The competing descriptions reflect the political sensitivity of the incident, coming three years after the military itself seized power through a coup.

For now, Nigerien authorities say security forces remain in control of the capital as efforts continue to secure affected military facilities and determine the full circumstances surrounding the uprising.

Niger coup attempt: Gunfire, explosions rock Niamey as soldiers revolt

Married father of two exposed after allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Kenya

A married father of two has been exposed in Kenya after allegedly posing as a Catholic priest, celebrating Mass and carrying out other religious activities at several Catholic worship centres in Turkana County.

The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, allegedly gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by presenting documents that purportedly supported his claim that he was an ordained Catholic priest.

According to reports from Kenyan and Catholic news outlets, Onchonga allegedly presented himself as “Fr Jones Bogonko Onchonga, M.C.” and claimed an association with the Missionaries of Charity.

He reportedly participated in Catholic activities at several locations, including St Augustine Cathedral, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Shrine in Lodaraja.

His alleged impersonation came to light after photographs surfaced showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.

The photographs reportedly triggered questions among Catholic clergy and members of the community, leading to further checks into his identity and credentials.

According to Agenzia Fides, police investigations later indicated that Onchonga had allegedly been posing as a Catholic priest for almost two years.

Investigators reportedly found that he arrived in Lodwar in 2025 with documents identifying him as a priest of the Missionaries of Charity.

The investigation also allegedly established that Onchonga had never attended a Catholic seminary and had not received formal training in philosophy or theology required for Catholic priesthood.

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Instead, police reportedly said he taught himself aspects of Catholic liturgy and Church procedures through religious books. Investigators allegedly recovered 17 books on Church doctrine, including materials relating to liturgy and the administration of sacraments.

Reports further indicate that Onchonga was a married man with two children living in Kisii, despite allegedly presenting himself as a Catholic priest.

His activities reportedly came under increased scrutiny after he celebrated Mass at St Mary’s Shrine in Lodaraja on August 9, 2026. Concerns about his conduct during the service allegedly prompted a photograph from the Mass to be circulated among priests and Church officials.

The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar subsequently issued a public warning distancing itself from Onchonga and making it clear that he was not an ordained priest of the Diocese.

In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda and the diocesan chancellor, the Diocese reportedly warned priests, religious communities and members of the public against allowing Onchonga to perform priestly or other religious duties.

The Diocese also accused him of allegedly pretending to administer the sacraments, conducting unauthorised religious celebrations, usurping an ecclesiastical office and falsifying Church documents.

The allegations have now moved to the courts, with Onchonga facing a personation charge under Section 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, he allegedly posed as a duly ordained Catholic priest between July 31 and August 12, 2026, in Turkana Central Sub-County.

He is accused of falsely presenting himself to Bishop Mbinda and officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar as a priest authorised to conduct Church meetings and administer the sacraments.

Onchonga appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi at the Lodwar Law Courts on August 14, where he initially pleaded guilty to the charge.

However, he later changed his plea to not guilty when he appeared before Resident Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17.

The court subsequently granted him a KSh100,000 bond with one surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000.

However, reports indicate that he remained in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions.

His case is scheduled for mention on August 31, 2026, while the hearing is expected to commence on October 13, 2026.

If convicted under the relevant provision of Kenya’s Penal Code, Onchonga could face a prison sentence of up to three years.

The allegations against him have not been finally determined by the court, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Married father of two exposed after allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Kenya

Xenophobic attacks: Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation for affected citizen

The Ghanaian government has declined a GH¢20 million ($1.8 million) donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying adequate funds have already been provided for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration exercise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, explaining that the government had already made sufficient financial provisions to assist Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa and those returning home.

The ministry said it became aware of the proposed donation following comments attributed to MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, regarding the company’s plans to establish a support fund for affected Ghanaians.

While appreciating MTN Ghana for its willingness to assist, the government said it had decided not to accept the offer because funding for the humanitarian response was already in place.

The ministry said the government’s position had previously been communicated directly to Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.

The government said its decision was not intended to discourage MTN or diminish the value of the company’s gesture. Rather, it said the existing arrangements meant additional financial support from the telecommunications company was not required for the current evacuation programme.

MTN Ghana had reportedly considered setting aside GH¢10 million for immediate assistance to Ghanaians affected by the violence before increasing the proposed amount to GH¢20 million to provide more comprehensive support.

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The expanded intervention was expected to assist returnees with rebuilding their livelihoods after their arrival in Ghana, rather than limiting the support to their immediate evacuation needs.

The renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa have raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Ghanaian nationals living in the country. Ghanaian authorities have consequently been working to evacuate citizens who feel unsafe or have been directly affected by the violence.

The Ghanaian government said it remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance and financial reintegration support to every Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa as a result of the attacks.

Authorities also said the evacuation programme would be properly accounted for, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promising to publish a comprehensive breakdown of its total cost once the exercise is concluded.

According to the ministry, the planned disclosure is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public funds used for the operation.

The government also moved to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana that its decision to decline MTN’s offer would not affect its relationship with foreign-owned companies.

The ministry said Ghana would continue to support international companies and maintain a favourable business environment for businesses operating in the country, irrespective of their countries of origin.

MTN Ghana’s proposed intervention was part of broader private-sector concern over the plight of Ghanaians affected by the violence. The company had expressed its willingness to support citizens who were returning home after facing insecurity in South Africa.

The government, however, maintained that the welfare of Ghanaians remains its utmost priority and that existing government resources would be used to support those affected throughout the evacuation and reintegration process.

The decision to decline the donation therefore reflects the government’s assessment that the current funding arrangements are sufficient, rather than a rejection of MTN Ghana’s willingness to assist citizens affected by the crisis.

Xenophobic attacks: Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation for affected citizen