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Gunfire heard near Niger palace Niger leader 'held by soldiers'
(about 1 hour later)
Gunfire has been heard coming from the direction of the presidential palace in Niger's capital, Niamey, sparking rumours of a coup attempt. Niger President Mamadou Tandja and his cabinet are being held by soldiers after gun battles in the capital, a government source has told the BBC.
The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the firing lasted for half an hour, but it is unclear exactly what has happened. Gunfire broke out around the presidential palace at about 1300 local time and continued for 30 minutes, says the BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey.
He has seen soldiers with rifles on the streets near the palace and injured people being rushed to hospital. Our correspondent says tanks are on the streets and eyewitnesses say injured people have been taken to hospital.
Reuters news agency quoted an unnamed intelligence officer saying guards were trying to put down a coup attempt. An unnamed senior French official told AFP a coup attempt was under way.
Our reporter says there are four military barracks in the area around the palace. "All I can say is that it would appear that Tandja is not in a good position," he told the news agency on condition of anonymity.
Political tensions have been growing in the West African nation since President Mamadou Tandja changed the constitution last year to allow him to stand for a third term. Soldiers captured Mr Tandja while he was chairing his weekly cabinet meeting, the government source said.
Our correspondent says sporadic shooting can still be heard.
Political tensions have been growing in the West African nation since Mr Tandja changed the constitution last year to allow him to stand for a third term.
The government and opposition have been holding on-off talks - mediated by the regional body Ecowas - to try to resolve the country's political crisis.The government and opposition have been holding on-off talks - mediated by the regional body Ecowas - to try to resolve the country's political crisis.
A former army officer, Mr Tandja was first voted into office in 1999 and was returned to power in an election in 2004.A former army officer, Mr Tandja was first voted into office in 1999 and was returned to power in an election in 2004.
Niger has experienced long periods of military rule since independence from France in 1960.Niger has experienced long periods of military rule since independence from France in 1960.