Niger coup attempt: President Mohamed Bazoum held

NIGER, July 27: Presidential guards in Niger have seized President Mohamed Bazoum and blockaded his residence, as well as key ministries, sources say.

Despite concern about the coup attempt, the capital has been mostly peaceful, except for shots fired to disperse protesters.

Crowds have taken to the streets of Niamey in support of President Bazoum.

The African Union has condemned the soldiers' actions, saying they are "unacceptable".

The president's office tweeted that the guards unsuccessfully tried to get support from the military in their "anti-republican" efforts.

One unnamed source told AFP the move was a "fit of temper" by troops.

Reports had said the immediate former president, Mohammed Issoufou, and other former leaders were involved in talks to stop the situation from escalating, but it is not clear if those talks are still taking place.

A source cited by AFP as being close to the president said that the talks had broken down and that the guards, who have refused to release the president, have been issued an ultimatum by the army.

"The Army and the National Guard are ready to attack" those involved in this incident, the president's office said in a tweet. "The President of the Republic and his family are doing well," it added.

A BBC reporter in Naimey has seen heavily armed forces loyal to the president stationed around the national broadcaster.

The West African economic bloc (Ecowas) has released a statement describing events in Niger as an "attempted coup" and says it "condemns in the strongest terms the attempt to seize power by force".

The body also wrote that the bloc will hold those involved responsible.

France and the European Union have also condemned the unrest.

(BBC)