A source close to President Mohamed Bazoum has reported that he is being held in detention by members of the Presidential Guard, who have been given an “ultimatum” by the army.

Disgruntled members of the guard have sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, and talks to resolve the situation have failed, leading to the refusal to release the president.

In response, the army has issued an ultimatum to the guards.

In a message on Twitter, the president’s office clarified that the elements of the Presidential Guard involved had acted out of frustration and attempted to gain support from the national armed forces and the national guard, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The army and national guard are prepared to take action against the guard members involved if they do not change their stance.

The president and his family are reported to be in good health.

Mohamed Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021, leading one of Africa’s poorest and historically coup-prone countries.