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Uncertain situation in Niger: President Mohamed Bazoum Held Inside Residence by presidential guard

President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum | Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Niger soldiers have reportedly blocked the presidential Residence and several ministries in the capital Niamey.

President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum | Image source: Wikimedia Commons

No shots were fired, but it is unclear if this was an attempt by the Presidential Guard to seize power.

The president’s office tweeted that the Guard’s request for military support for “anti-Republican” activities had failed.

President Mohamed Bazoum is at the official residence with his family, AFP news agency reported.

Anonymous sources told the agency that the move was a “tantrum” by the military and negotiations were ongoing.

Former President Mohammed Issoufou and other former presidents are now reportedly in talks to prevent the situation from escalating.

“The President of the Republic and his family are safe. The Army and National Guard are ready to attack,” added the presidential office.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the landlocked West African country has seen four coups and numerous failed coups.

Democratically elected President Bazoum in 2021 is a close ally of France.

The country’s most recent coup took place in February 2010, overthrowing then-President Mamadou Tanja.

Niger is engaged in his two jihadist operations. One is his 2015 southwest emanating from neighboring Mali and his other is the jihadist-joined southeast of northeastern Nigeria.

Armed groups affiliated with both Al Qaeda and Islamic State are active in the country.

Two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have recently witnessed a coup d’etat sparked by jihadist insurgency.

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