Niger soldiers claim President Bazoum has been overthrown

NIGER: A group of soldiers claimed on national television in Niger on Wednesday that President Mohamed Bazoum has been removed from power.

“We, the defense and security forces … decided to put an end to the regime,” said Colonel Amadou Abdramane, shown seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues, reading a statement.

His statement also mentioned “the deteriorating security situation and bad governance.”

Abdramane said all institutions of the republic are suspended, that the country’s borders are closed, and a nationwide curfew declared.

The soldiers warned against foreign intervention and said they would respect Bazoum’s well-being, Reuters reported.

The Associated Press reported that it was unclear where Bazoum was at the time of the announcement or if he had resigned.

Hours earlier, members of Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the presidential palace in what African organizations called an attempted coup against Bazoum, the country’s democratically elected leader.

Niger’s capital, Niamey, remained calm as the situation unfolded Wednesday, though the U.S. Embassy has advised people in the city to limit unnecessary movements and avoid travel along the Rue de la Republique, where the palace is located.

The United States joined African leaders in calling for the release of Bazoum, who was being held inside the country’s presidential palace by members of his presidential guard.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the immediate release of Bazoum late Wednesday. Earlier, he had said on Twitter, the social media site rebranded as X, that he has spoken with Bazoum.

(VOA)