NIAMEY – In an attempted coup, the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum was held hostage by the national guards after they refused to retreat. Members of the guard on Wednesday morning sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down refused to release the president.
According to sources, the Presidential Guard initially wanted the support of the military, which for its part would have refused to support the mutiny. The president’s office disclosed that the guards were unsuccessful in their attempt to get support from the military anti-republican efforts.
Recent information revealed that the army is ready to attack the elements of the PG who are involved in this act, if they do not return to a better disposition. The reason for such an audacious move by the guards is still unknown.
In a statement issued from Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned what it called an “attempted coup d’Etat” against a democratically-elected leader.
On February 23, 2021, Niger’s electoral commission declared Mohamed Bazoum, the winner of the country’s presidential election runoff.
ECOWAS warned it would hold all those involved responsible for the safety of Bazoum, his family, members of his government
SOURCE: channelstv
IMAGE: Studio Katanguru
