Soldiers in Niger, West Africa, announced a coup on national television. They say they dissolve the constitution, suspend all institutions and close the country’s borders.
Since early Wednesday, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by presidential guard soldiers.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised him “unwavering support” from Washington during a phone call.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he spoke with the president and expressed the UN’s full support.
Mr. Bazoum is a key Western ally in the war against Islamist militants in West Africa.
Two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups in recent years as a result of Islamist uprisings.
Mr. Bazoum’s whereabouts are unknown, but in a tweet on Thursday morning, he stated that “hard-won gains will be safeguarded” and that Nigeriens who love democracy will see to it.
Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou declared himself president and urged all Democrats to “make this adventure fail.”
“We, the defense force and security, decided to end the regime you know,” Colonel Amadou Abdramane announced on television Wednesday, flanked by nine other soldiers in uniform.
“This happened later. the security situation continues to deteriorate, as well as economic and social mismanagement.”
He also stated that all of the country’s institutions had been halted and that the chiefs of the ministries would oversee the situation.
