July 27, (THEWILL) – A coup has been confirmed in the West African country of Niger, as officers of the Presidential Guard (GP) led by Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, have, at last, announced a takeover of power on national television.
Since Wednesday, the Presidential Guard (GP) had held President Mohamed Bazoum hostage.
Seizing the national television, Col. Maj. Abdramane announced the suspension of the nation’s constitution.
According to Col. Maj. Abdramane, who made the announcement with nine others, the defence and security forces had decided to put an end to the regime of Bazoum.
He said this followed the continuing deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance.
Abdramane added 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.
He warned all external partners not to interfere, announcing that land and air borders were closed until the situation had stabilised.
According to Abdramane, a night curfew would take effect from 22:00 to 05:00 local time until further notice.
The coup has been condemned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the United States and the United Nations.
