Niger’s president detained after unsuccessful coup attempt

Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, has been detained by members of the Presidential Guard in a failed coup attempt this Wednesday, July 26, an act which has drawn condemnation from African nations and the European Union.

A source close to the presidency, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed that after some negotiations, the Presidential Guard refused to release Bazoum, leading to an ultimatum from the Army.

Reports cited by the Financial Times suggest that the head of the Presidential Guard, General Omar Tchani, demanded the president’s resignation.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) confirmed the “coup attempt” and expressed “surprise and concern”, urging those responsible to immediately release the democratically elected President.

In a now-deleted tweet, Niger’s presidency stated that elements of the Presidential Guard had tried and failed to gain the support of the national armed forces and the National Guard.

It added that the Army and the National Guard were prepared to confront the involved members of the Presidential Guard unless they change their position.

The statement confirmed the safety of President Bazoum and his family.

Global reactions to this incident include the African Union condemning the “coup attempt” and calling for an “immediate and unconditional return of the traitorous military to their barracks”.

The European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, also expressed his concern and condemned any attempt to destabilize Niger’s democracy.

Niger, a Sahel nation, often faces jihadist violence. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has experienced several coup attempts, with four succeeding—the latest in February 2010 that overthrew President Mamadou Tandja.