Niger President Mohamed Bazoum is currently being held by disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard as an “ultimatum” is issued by the army to the guards, according to a source close to Bazoum.
ECOWAS has condemned the situation, labeling it an “attempted coup” and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum.
Elected in 2021, President Bazoum is a close ally of France and assumed office in a country struggling with poverty and a history of chronic instability. The guard members sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices on Wednesday morning, and negotiations failed to secure the release of the president.
In response to the situation, the president’s office issued a message on Twitter, stating that elements of the Presidential Guard had a fit of temper and attempted unsuccessfully to gain the support of the national armed forces and national guard. The army and national guard have warned of possible action against the guards if they do not change their stance.
As the reasons for the guard members’ anger remain undisclosed, access to the presidential complex in Niamey was blocked off. However, there were no abnormal military deployments or sounds of gunfire, and traffic appeared normal in the area.
Niger has a history of coup attempts, with several instances recorded since gaining independence from France in 1960. President Bazoum himself faced an attempted coup just days before his inauguration in April 2021. The country’s ongoing struggle with poverty and jihadist campaigns has further complicated its political landscape.
The situation has drawn international concern, with ECOWAS condemning the attempted coup and holding those involved responsible for the safety of the president, his family, government members, and the public.
As the situation unfolds, national and international communities closely monitor the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability in Niger.