On Wednesday morning, parts of the Nigerien presidential guard began a mutiny by surrounding the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, and blocking off Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum's office and residence.
"The Chairperson further calls on the people of Niger, all their brothers in Africa, particularly in ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States], and around the world, to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of this coup attempt, and for the immediate and unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks," the African Union quoted Moussa Faki Mahamat as saying.
These actions are tantamount to an attempted coup d'etat, the chairperson added.
Algeria also condemned the mutiny in Niger and called for an end to infringement on the constitutional order.
"Algeria strongly condemns the attempted coup in the Republic of Niger and is following developments in this fraternal country with great concern," the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Algeria also reiterated its commitment to the principles of collective action by African countries within the African Union, including absolute rejection of non-constitutional changes of government, the statement read.
"Algeria calls for an immediate end to this unacceptable infringement on constitutional order and serious violation of the rule-of-law principle," the ministry said.
Paris condemned the attempted coup as well, adding that it was closely monitoring the situation in Niger.
"France is concerned about the events under way in Niger and is closely following the development of the situation. It strongly condemns any attempt to take power by force and joins the calls by the African Union and ECOWAS to restore the integrity of Niger's democratic institutions," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Earlier, the local TV broadcaster reported that the sounds of gunfire are heard near the presidential palace in Niamey.
According to the broadcaster, the shooting near the presidential palace began at about 18:00 local time
Leader of Benin Heading to Niger as Negotiator Against Background of Mutiny - Reports
In the meantime, Benin's President Patrice Talon is heading to Niger as a negotiator, the head of which is being held by rebel soldiers, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Wednesday.
"He [Talon] is going there now, he is on his way," Tinubu said after meeting with Talon in Abuja, as cited by the media.
The alleged reason for the mutiny was President Bazoum's intention to dismiss the commander of the Presidential Guard, General Omar Tchiani, local media reported. According to sources, negotiations were underway to avoid a confrontation between soldiers of the presidential guard and the rest of the military.