Niger police announced that they had seized the nation's president, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday, sparking speculations of a coup.
The statement was broadcast on the country's national television and had Col.-Maj. Amadou Abdramane said that defense and security forces have decided to end the current regime. He said that the efforts followed the continuous deterioration of the country's security situation and the bad social and economic management.
Alleged Niger Coup
Abdramane noted that Niger's borders were closed, and a nationwide curfew was in effect. He added that all institutions within the nation were ordered to suspend their services amid the recent development.
The military personnel was seated and flanked by nine other officers who were seen wearing fatigues while the colonel major read out his statement. The soldiers, who called themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, warned against foreign intervention, per Aljazeera.
Abdramane's announcement comes shortly after a day filled with uncertainty as Niger's presidency issued reports that revealed members of the elite guard unit were engaging in what officials described as an "anti-Republican demonstration." Additionally, media outlets reported that the rebellious forces detained President Bazoum at the palace.
It remains unclear where President Bazoum was at the time of the soldiers' announcement or if he had chosen to resign from his position. The United States government immediately called for Bazoum's release in response to the latest development.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he spoke with President Bazoum and made clear that the United States supports him as the democratically elected president of Niger.
Detention of President Mohamed Bazoum
On the other hand, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had spoken with the Niger president and offered his organization's full support. According to BBC, the situation comes as Bazoum is considered a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.
In recent years, two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have also suffered from coups triggered by jihadist uprisings. In both instances, the new military leaders have fallen out with France, the former colonial power, and previously had control of Niger.
Earlier in the day of the soldiers' announcement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) released a statement saying there was an attempt to seize power by force in Niger. The bloc added that they condemned in the strongest terms the attempt and called on coup plotters to free Bazoum without any condition.
The recent development sparked intense discussions between the country's Presidential Guard and government authorities. On Wednesday, Niger's presidential complex was closed off as heavily armed Presidential Guard members were deployed outside the palace early that morning.
A statement released on the presidency's social media channels said that the Niger president was "doing well" and that the army and the national guard were prepared to attack the elements of the GP that were involved in the alleged coup attempt if they continue to jeopardize the country's democracy, said CNN.
