Captive Niger president in good health says France 

President Mohamed Bazoum is in good health says the French foreign minister, after the Niger president was taken captive by his own presidential guard. 

France’s Catherine Colonna told AFP news agency the coup was not “final.” She said Bazoum and French President Emmanuel Macron had spoken and that there was a “way out” for the coup plotters if they listen to the global community. 

On Thursday, those who support the coup attacked the headquarters of the ousted president’s party. They set it on fire, stoning and burning cars outside. The small group of arsonists had broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.

The army has now given its backing to the troops who started the coup and took Bazoum captive. 

Russia has joined other countries and the UN in calling for his release. Bazoum, 64, became Niger’s president only two years ago and has been a key ally in helping fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.