Niger’s president says that some presidential guard members are trying to move against him

By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Niger’s president says that elements of the presidential guard tried to move against him and that the army will attack if they don’t back down. President Mohamed Bazoum’s official account tweeted that some in the presidential guard engaged in an “anti-Republican demonstration” and tried in vain to obtain the support of the other security forces. The tweet said that the president and his family were doing well. But the army and the national guard were ready to attack if those involved didn’t change their minds. It’s unclear what ignited the tensions. But on Wednesday streets surrounding the presidential palace in the capital Niamey were blocked off as were some of the ministries.