A coup attempt unfolded in the state of Niger on Wednesday July 26, during which members of the Presidential Guard apprehended President Mohamed Bazoum, leading to a standoff with the army, according to sources.

An attempted coup was underway Wednesday in the fragile state of Niger, where members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, triggering a standoff with the army, sources said.

The head of the West African bloc ECOWAS said Benin President Patrice Talon was heading to Niger on a mediation bid after the region was struck by a new bout of turbulence.

Both ECOWAS and the African Union lashed what they called an “attempted coup d’état,” a term echoed by a source close to Bazoum.

The United States, in a statement, demanded Bazoum’s release.

One of a dwindling group of pro-western leaders in the Sahel, Bazoum was elected in 2021, taking the helm of a country burdened by poverty and a history of chronic instability.

Disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices in the capital Niamey, and after talks broke down “refused to release the president,” another presidential source said.=

The reason for the guards’ anger was not disclosed.

Hours after the president was detained, Bazoum supporters tried to approach the complex where he was being held, but were dispersed by members of the Presidential Guard who fired warning shots, according to media sources.

One person was hurt, but it was not immediately clear if he was injured by a bullet or from falling as the crowd scattered.

ECOWAS called for Bazoum’s immediate and unconditional release, and warned that all those involved would be held responsible for his safety.

The European Union said it “associates itself” with the ECOWAS statement and attacked “any attempt to destabilize democracy and threaten the stability” of Niger.

France, Niger’s former colonial power, and neighboring Algeria also issued condemnations.

The landlocked Sahel state has experienced four coups since independence from France in 1960 as well as numerous other attempts on power.

Khalil Wakim, with AFP