African leaders condemn coup attempt against Niger’s president after his home is surrounded

By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Governing bodies in Africa have condemned what they characterized as a coup attempt against Niger’s president. President Mohamed Bazoum’s official Twitter account reported on Wednesday that members of the presidential guard engaged in an “anti-Republican demonstration” and tried to obtain support from other security forces. The tweet didn’t refer to a coup, and part of it later was deleted. But it said the president and his family were doing well, and Niger’s army and national guard “are ready to attack” if those involved in the protest don’t back down. The commissions of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States called the actions of the presidential guardsman an effort to unseat Bazoum.