On national television, soldiers in the nation of Niger in West Africa announced a coup.
They claimed to have closed the country’s borders, dissolved the constitution, and suspended all institutions.
Since early on Wednesday, soldiers from the presidential guard have been keeping Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in custody.
In a phone call, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured him of Washington’s “unwavering support.”
Also claiming to have spoken with the president, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered the UN’s full support.
Mr. Bazoum is a crucial ally of the West in the conflict with Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Recent jihadist uprisings have resulted in coups in two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The new military leaders in both nations are at odds with France, the former colonial power that formerly ruled Niger as well.
Unknown to the public, Mr. Bazoum said in a tweet on Thursday morning that the “hard-won gains will be safeguarded” and that Nigerians who value democracy will take care of the situation.
Hassoumi Massoudou, the foreign minister, proclaimed himself to be the head of state and urged all Democrats to “make this adventure fail.”
In a latest development in the Niger coup, citizens have stormed the streets vandalizing government properties and attacking politicians.
In viral video, some citizens have been seen beating and disgracing corrupt politicians after the military announced the coup on national TV.
Watch some of the videos below;
‼️ Niger Coup Update: Following the army command's endorsement of a coup in Niger, coup supporters ransack and set fire to the ruling party's headquarters in the capital city, Niamey.
— WithAlvin 🇬🇭 (@withAlvin__) July 28, 2023
Niger Coup; Citizens attacking politicians.
Impunity, corruption, lack of resources management, insecurity, poverty inequalities, and abuse of power leading to military taking over in Africa. pic.twitter.com/BXl8S3J3zZ
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) July 28, 2023
Niger Coup updates;Mob beating Politician. https://t.co/VT7SQboWR6
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) July 28, 2023
Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane spoke on television on Wednesday along with nine other soldiers in uniform standing behind him said “We, the defence 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.”
The heads of the ministries would handle day-to-day operations, he added, adding that all of the nation’s institutions had been suspended.
“All external partners are asked not to interfere,” he went on. “Land and air borders are closed until the situation has stabilised.”
He added that until further notice, a nighttime curfew would be in place from 22:00 to 5:00 local time.
The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), according to Col Maj Abdramane, was represented by the soldiers.
President Bazoum should be released, Mr. Blinken demanded following the soldiers’ TV announcement.
At a press conference in New Zealand, he stated that “what it clearly constitutes is an effort to seize power by force and to disrupt the constitution”.
