Presidential guards in Niger are holding President Mohamed Bazoum and have blocked his residence, as well as key ministries, reports say.
No shots have been fired despite fears a coup attempt is underway in the West African country.
The African Union has condemned events, describing them as “unacceptable”.
The president’s office tweeted that the guards unsuccessfully tried to get support from the military in their “anti-republican” efforts.
Reports had said the immediate former president, Mohammed Issoufou, and other former leaders were involved in talks to stop the situation from escalating, but it is not clear if those talks are still taking place.
“The Army and the National Guard are ready to attack” those involved in this incident, the president’s office said in a tweet. “The President of the Republic and his family are doing well,” it added.
BBC
