Nigerien President Bazoum Safely Rescued from Guard Uprising

Soldiers from Niger's presidential guard are holding President Mohamed Bazoum inside the presidential palace in Niamey, which has been blocked off by military vehicles. Ministries near the palace have also been blocked off, and staff inside the palace have been unable to access their offices. The situation remains unclear, but the presidency stated that Bazoum and his family are safe. This comes less than a month after Nigeria's president called for swift action against insecurity and coups in the region. Niger is a key ally to Western powers in the fight against the Sahel region's rebel uprising.