Soldiers assert seizing control of Niger’s government in what appears to be a coup d’état in the West African nation after detaining President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Presidential Guard took measures to seal off access to the president’s residence and offices in the capital city of Niamey. Attempts at negotiation failed, leading the elite guard to detain President Bazoum, and they adamantly refused to release him, according to a source from the presidency.
In response to the upheaval, the soldiers announced the suspension of “all institutions” within the country, closed borders, and imposed a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am until further notice.
Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, during a televised address last night, stated, “We, the defence and security forces, have made the decision to terminate President Bazoum’s regime.” He was accompanied by nine other uniformed soldiers as he delivered the message.
The Colonel-Major cited the deteriorating security situation, along with issues of poor economic and social governance, as reasons behind their actions. The situation remains fluid, and the developments are being closely monitored both domestically and internationally.