President Mohamed Bazoum of the Niger Republic has been deposed, the armed forces have announced.
Colonel-major Amadou Abdramane made the statement in a late-evening televised address on Wednesday.
Abdramane, surrounded by other soldiers, declared, “We, the defense and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime of President Bazoum.”
He went on to say that they had shut down the government, expelled all foreigners, and dissolved the constitution.
Reports indicate that members of the presidential guard have taken Bazoum captive.
The president was reportedly prevented from entering his office and residence by a large number of soldiers.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the politically unstable West African country has experienced five successful coups and several failed attempts.
The previous coup attempt in 2021 was deemed “utterly nave, despicable, and unacceptable” by former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Days before Bazoum was sworn in, the army attempted to capture the presidential palace.
Many nations, groups, and diplomats have expressed solidarity with Niger after recent events there.
President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has already stated that the organization will not stand for any actions that threaten democracy in the area.
President Patrice Talon of Benin was sent there shortly after his statement by ECOWAS.
African Union (AU) chair Moussa Mahamat also voiced “strong” unhappiness with the situation in Niger.
Mahamat claimed the soldiers had abandoned its republican responsibilities and demanded them to change direction quickly.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that he is fully behind Bazoum and has assured the president of the “unwavering support” of the United States.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also reported speaking with the president and offering the organization’s complete support.
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