The president of the West African nation of Niger has been taken hostage after armed soldiers stormed the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, witnesses said.
The attack on Thursday came after witnesses reported hearing machine gunfire near the palace where Mamadou Tandja, the country’s president, was believed to be holding a meeting.
A journalist in the capital, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the president is currently being held by soldiers at a garrison in the city.
Full story: Al Jazeera English – Africa – President ‘seized in Niger coup’