Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been ousted from power, as announced by a group of soldiers on the nation’s national television late on Wednesday, shortly after the president was detained at the presidential palace.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by nine other officers, read a statement stating that the defense and security forces had decided to end the existing regime due to the worsening security situation and poor governance. As a result of the military takeover, Niger’s borders are closed, a nationwide curfew has been imposed, and all republican institutions are suspended. The soldiers cautioned against any foreign intervention and assured the well-being of President Bazoum.

This is the seventh coup in the West and Central Africa region since 2020, and it could complicate efforts by Western nations to support countries in the Sahel region to combat the jihadist insurgency that has been spreading from Mali over the past decade. Niger, being a key ally in the fight against irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa, has been receiving assistance from Western powers in its security efforts.

President Bazoum’s election marked the first democratic transition of power in Niger since its independence from France in 1960. However, the military coup poses risks to foreign actors, including Russia, gaining influence in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, the presidential guards, led by General Omar Tchiani, took control of the presidency, leading regional leaders to organize a swift mediation mission to prevent a coup. Frustrations over the government’s failure to prevent violent attacks on towns and villages have played a role in previous coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

The African Union and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS have condemned the attempted coup, while the international community, including the United States, European Union, and France, expressed concern and urged a return to democratic governance.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with President Bazoum during his detention and emphasized that the economic and security partnership with Niger hinges on the continuation of democratic rule.

Source: with agencies