On Wednesday morning local time, Niger's interior minister, Hamadou Souley, was arrested by the presidential guard and is being held in the presidential palace in Niamey, along with President Bazoum.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement condemning the attempted seizure of power by force and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the democratically-elected President.
The presidential complex in Niger was sealed off, with heavily armed presidential guard members assembling outside the palace. Later in the day, about 20 presidential guards were seen outside the palace complex.
According to a statement on the presidency's social media channels, President Bazoum is reported to be "doing well," and the army and national guard are prepared to intervene if the situation escalates. However, the authenticity of the statement could not be verified by CNN.
Protesters gathered in Niamey to show support for President Bazoum, with presidential guards firing warning shots to block their advance. No injuries were reported.
As of now, the country's Presidential Guard and government authorities are in discussion, though the details of their conversation remain undisclosed.
International leaders, including the United Nations, the EU's foreign policy chief, and the US National Security Adviser, have expressed concern over the situation in Niger, calling for peace and stability and emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic governance.
President Bazoum was elected in 2021, and Niger has a history of coup attempts, having experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.
