**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.
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.
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.
Niger has experienced long periods of military rule since independence from France in 1960.