2023-07-27 14:28:18
A group of Nigerian soldiers appeared on national television last night to announce a coup.
They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the country’s borders.
Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held back by presidential guard troops since early Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged Washington’s “unwavering support” in a phone call.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said he spoke to the president and offered him the full support of the UN.
Mr. Bazoum is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups triggered by jihadist uprisings in recent years.
In both countries, the new military leaders fell out with France, the former colonial power, which also ruled Niger.
Mr. Bazoum’s exact whereabouts are unclear, but in a statement posted Thursday morning on the social network Twitter, he said the “hard-won gains will be preserved” and that democracy-loving Nigeriens will see to it.
During Wednesday’s television announcement, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by nine other soldiers in uniform, said: “We, the defense and security forces, have decided to put an end to the regime that you know: “We, the defense and security forces, have decided to put an end to the regime that you know.
“This decision follows the continued deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance.
He also said that all institutions in the country had been suspended and ministry officials would take care of day-to-day business.
“All outside partners are requested not to interfere,” he continued. “Land and air borders are closed until the situation is stabilized.
He added that a nighttime curfew would take effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time until further notice.
Colonel Maj Abdramane said the soldiers were acting on behalf of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).
After the soldiers’ televised announcement, Mr. Blinken demanded the release of President Bazoum.
He told a news conference in New Zealand that “this clearly constitutes an attempt to seize power by force and overthrow the constitution”.
bbc africa
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