ALGIERS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Wednesday strongly condemned the ongoing attempted coup in neighboring Niger and called for an immediate end to the violence.
"The Algerian government is deeply concerned about the situation in the Republic of Niger and strongly condemns the attempted coup taking place there," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry reaffirmed Algeria's "categorical rejection of any unconstitutional changes" and urged "an immediate end to this unacceptable breach of the constitutional order."
Niger's presidency said that the presidential guards had barricaded President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace on Wednesday, raising fears of a potential coup in the West African nation.
The fate of Bazoum remained uncertain, but his representatives told the press that he was safe.
Bazoum assumed office in 2021 after winning the elections. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has witnessed four coups. ■