Soldiers in the West African country of Niger have announced a coup on national television.
They asserted that they had closed the country’s borders, suspended all institutions, and dissolved the constitution.
President of the Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has been detained since early on Wednesday by troops of the presidential guard.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him and assured him of Washington’s “unwavering support”.
Antonio Guterres, the secretary general of the UN, also claimed to have spoken with the president and to have offered him the UN’s full support.
Mr. Bazoum is a crucial ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Recent jihadist uprisings have led to coups in two neighboring nations, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The new military leaders in both countries are at odds with France, the former colonial power that formerly ruled Niger as well.
Although the whereabouts of Mr. Bazoum are unknown, he declared on Twitter on Thursday morning that the “hard-won gains will be safeguarded” and that Nigeriens who love democracy will take care of it.
Hassoumi Massoudou, the foreign minister, proclaimed himself to be the head of state and urged all democrats to “make this adventure fail.”
Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, with nine uniformed soldiers standing behind him, said in the TV announcement on Wednesday “We, the defense and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime you know.
“This follows the continuing deterioration of the security situation, and poor economic and social governance
Additionally, he declared that all national institutions had been suspended and that the heads of the various ministries would handle day-to-day operations.
He continued, “All external partners are asked not to interfere. Land and air borders are closed until the situation has stabilized.”
A nighttime curfew would be in place from 22:00 until 5:00 local time until further notice, he added.
Col Maj Abdramane said the soldiers were acting for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Mr. Blinken demanded the release of President Bazoum following the soldiers’ television announcement.
It “clearly constitutes an effort to seize power by force and to disrupt the constitution,” he said at a news conference in New Zealand.
Source-BBC
