NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – An attempted coup unfolded in Niger, as members of the presidential guard made a move against President Mohamed Bazoum, prompting a stern warning from the presidency that the army was prepared to take action against them if they did not stand down.
It started on Wednesday morning after members of the presidential guards surrounded the palace and reportedly held the president and his family.
The official Twitter account of the presidency revealed that the presidential guards were engaged in what was described as an “anti-Republican demonstration” and desperately sought the support of other security forces, albeit unsuccessfully.
News agencies reported that the guards had allegedly taken President Bazoum hostage inside the presidential palace in the capital city, Niamey.
However, the presidency assured the public that President Bazoum and his family were safe.
Eyewitnesses said the presidential palace, along with adjacent ministries, was surrounded and blocked off by military vehicles.
Presidential staff within the palace found themselves unable to access their offices, further highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Le Président de la République et sa famille se portent bien.
L’ Armée et la Garde Nationale sont prêtes à attaquer les éléments de la GP impliqués dans ce mouvement d’humeur s’ils ne reviennent pas à de meilleurs sentiments.— Présidence du Niger (@PresidenceNiger) July 26, 2023
Meanwhile supporters of President Bazoum attempted to approach the presidential complex to demonstrate their allegiance. However, their efforts were met with resistance as members of the Presidential Guard fired warning shots, dispersing the crowd.
In the ensuing chaos, one individual sustained injuries, although it remained unclear if the injury resulted from a bullet or falling amid the commotion.
The African Union responded to condemn the attempted coup.
In an official statement, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed strong condemnation, characterizing the act as a betrayal of their republican duty by members of the military.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc consisting of 15 nations, also weighed in on the situation.
ECOWAS called for President Bazoum’s immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that all those involved in the coup attempt would be held accountable for his safety.