Armed troops blockade presidential palace in Niger

President Mohamed Bazoum ‘safe and well’ as source describes move as ‘fit of temper’ by elite troops

Armed troops have blockaded the presidential palace in Niger, one of the world’s most unstable nations where there have been four coups since the country gained independence in 1960.

The soldiers, including members of the presidential guard of Mohamed Bazoum, were said to be engaged in negotiations with the president – who was described as “safe and well” – as the country’s army and national guard threatened to attack the presidential force unless they stepped down.