ECOWAS Deploys Benin President To Niger Over Coup Attempt

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed President Patrice Talon of Benin on immediate mission to Niger over coup attempt.

This was made known to newsmen shortly after President Patrice Talon visited ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu at State House in Abuja on Wednesday evening.

Tension is high in the Republic of Niger on Wednesday as soldiers have reportedly barricaded the presidential palace as well as several ministries in the capital, Niamey and anxiety about the fate of President Bazoum grows in what looks like an attempted coup in the country.

Reports said that no shots were fired and it’s not clear if this is an attempt by the presidential guard to seize power.

The president’s office tweeted that the guards unsuccessfully tried to get support from the military in their “anti-republican” efforts.

Reports also said that President Bazoum is being blockaded in his residence with his family, but the enraged soldiers are being assuaged as talks by former President Mohammed Issoufou and other past leaders are underway to bring the situation under control.