Members of Niger’s Presidential Guard blocked off President Mohamed Bazoum’s apartment and offices on Wednesday, according to a source close to Bazoum, who described the move as a “fit of temper” by the elite troops and claimed “talks” were happening.
The landlocked West African country is one of the most unstable in the world, having experienced four coups and countless other attempts on power since its independence from France in 1960.
Access to Bazoum’s official residence and offices in the presidential complex in Niamey was restricted, despite the fact that there was no unusual military deployment or firing in the neighborhood, and traffic was regular, according to an AFP journalist.
“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.
“The president is fine, he’s safe and sound,” the source said. “He and his family are at the residence.”
The reason for the guards’ behaviour and what was being discussed in the talks were not given.
An MP with Bazoum’s PNDS party said: “I spoke to the president and to friends who are ministers (and) they are fine.”
Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021, is a close ally of France.