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| Gunfire heard near Niger palace | Gunfire heard near Niger palace |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Gunfire has been heard coming from the direction of the presidential palace in Niger's capital, Niamey, sparking rumours of a coup attempt. | Gunfire has been heard coming from the direction of the presidential palace in Niger's capital, Niamey, sparking rumours of a coup attempt. |
| The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the heavy firing lasted for half an hour, but it is unclear what has happened. | The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the heavy firing lasted for half an hour, but it is unclear what has happened. |
| Reuters news agency quoted an unnamed intelligence officer saying guards were trying to put down a coup attempt. | Reuters news agency quoted an unnamed intelligence officer saying guards were trying to put down a coup attempt. |
| Our reporter says there are no signs of troop movements in the city and the TV and radio are broadcasting normally. | Our reporter says there are no signs of troop movements in the city and the TV and radio are broadcasting normally. |
| Political tensions have been growing in the West African nation since President Mamadou Tandja changed the constitution last year to allow him to stand for a third term. | Political tensions have been growing in the West African nation since President Mamadou Tandja changed the constitution last year to allow him to stand for a third term. |
| The government and opposition have been holding on-off talks - mediated by the regional body Ecowas - to resolve the country's political crisis. | |
| A former army officer, Mr Tandja was first voted into office in 1999 and was returned to power in an election in 2004. | |
| Niger has experienced long periods of military rule since independence from France in 1960. |