Niger Soldiers overthrow President

Soldiers in Niger claimed to have removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power late on Wednesday, hours after members of the presidential guard detained the politician at his official residence.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said “the defence and security forces have decided to put an end to the regime people are familiar with.

Abdramane said this follows continuous deterioration of security situation, the bad social and economic management.

The soldier said the country’s borders were closed and a nationwide curfew was in place with all institutions of the country were also suspended.

Abdramane was seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues as he read out his statement.

The group, which is calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, warned against any foreign intervention.

The announcement came after a day of uncertainty as Niger’s presidency reported that members of the elite guard unit were engaging in an “anti-Republican demonstration” and news agencies reported that Bazoum was being held at the palace by the mutinous forces.