In a public broadcast on national TV, soldiers in the West African nation of Niger declared a coup. They announced the dissolution of the constitution, the suspension of all institutions, and the closure of the country’s borders.
Since early Wednesday, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the presidential guard.
In response to the coup, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured President Bazoum of Washington’s unwavering support during a phone call. Similarly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed full support after speaking with the president.
President Bazoum is a crucial ally of Western nations in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa. The region has witnessed coups sparked by jihadist uprisings in neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. Notably, the new military leaders in these countries have disagreed with France, the former colonial power, which also had historical rule over Niger.
During the televised announcement, Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, accompanied by nine other uniformed soldiers, declared, “We, the defense and security forces, have decided to end the current regime. This decision comes in response to the ongoing deterioration of the security situation and the poor economic and social governance state.”