Coup in Niger; President Tinubu sends emissary to Niamey
President Bola Tinubu said that an ECOWAS mission has been sent to the Niger Republic to intercede in the attempted coup in the country.
The president spoke after a meeting with Benin Republic President Patrice Talon at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that Talon was mandated by the ECOWAS to proceed immediately to the West African country that has been termed the most coup prone country in the region.
Tinubu is the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government, and the body had decided to discourage the issue of undemocratic change of government by the military in the region.
During a meeting between Tinubu and the Presidents of Niger and Benin a fortnight ago, Talon was mandated to lead the ECOWAS delegation to Mali and Burkina Faso where the military are in control.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an attempted coup was reported in Niger Republic early on Wednesday.
Sources from the country said that the presidential guards have held President Mohamed Bazoum hostage at the presidential palace in Niamey. (NAN)
