Soldiers in the Republic of Niger in West Africa announced a coup on national television, citing poor economic and security conditions for their action.
They claimed to have locked the country’s borders, repealed the constitution, and suspended all institutions.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 the TV announcement on Wednesday, Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, alongside nine other uniformed soldiers 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.”
He also said that all of the country’s institutions had been suspended and that the heads of the ministries would take care of day-to-day business.
All external partners are asked not to interfere,” he went on. “Land and air borders are closed until the situation has stabilised.”
He added a night curfew would take effect from 22:00 until 05:00 local time until further notice.
