Members of Niger’s Presidential Guard sealed off the residence and offices of President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, a source close to Bazoum said, describing the move as a “fit of temper” by the elite troops and that “talks” were underway.
The landlocked West African state is one of the most unstable nations in the world, experiencing four coups since independence from France in 1960 as well as numerous other attempts on power.
Disgruntled members of the guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down “refused to release the president,” the source said, adding: “The army has given them an ultimatum.”
In a message on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X, the president’s office said “elements of the Presidential Guard (PG) had a fit of temper… (and) tried unsuccessfully to gain the support of the national armed forces and the national guard.”
“The army and national guard are ready to attack the elements of the PG who are involved in this fit of temper if they do not return to a better disposition,” the presidency said.
“The president and his family are well,” it added.
“It’s a fit of temper by the Presidential Guard but talks are underway with the president,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
