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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Gunfire heard near Niger palace | Gunfire heard near Niger palace |
| (20 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 firing lasted for half an hour, but it is unclear exactly what has happened. | |
| He has seen soldiers with rifles on the streets near the palace and injured people being rushed to hospital. | |
| 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 four military barracks in the area around the palace. | |
| 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 try 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. | 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. | Niger has experienced long periods of military rule since independence from France in 1960. |