Niger "coup bid" sees President Mohamed Bazoum defiant but detained by his own guard

Niamey — Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum on Thursday defiantly vowed to protect "hard-won" democratic gains after he was detained by elite troops who declared they had taken power in the troubled West African nation. Bazoum was confined in Niamey on Wednesday by members of his presidential guard, who hours later announced that "all institutions" in the country would be suspended, the borders closed and a night-time curfew imposed.

Amid fierce condemnation from African and international organizations and Niger's Western allies, Bazoum has stood his ground.

"The hard-won gains will be safeguarded," Bazoum said in a social media post. "All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this."