Soldiers in Niger have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, the country's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) said in a press release broadcast on national television late
on Wednesday, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage.
"This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance," said Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, a member of the FDS and National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, newly established by soldiers.
The attempted coup has drawn condemnation from regional blocs and world leaders.
Fears of attempted coup
President of the Republic of Benin Patrice Talon on Wednesday visited his Nigerian counterpart Bola Tinubu amid uncertainty in the West African country of Niger where an attempted coup was brewing.
Tinubu briefly told reporters after the meeting in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, that efforts were underway by West African leaders to halt the situation in Niger where President Bazoum is allegedly being held hostage by soldiers, fueling speculation of an attempted coup.
In a personally signed statement earlier, the Nigerian leader said that the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.
Talon said the development in Niger was "worrisome" and needed an urgent intervention by ECOWAS leaders.
The neighboring country Algeria on Wednesday also expressed concerns over the ongoing attempted coup in Niger and called for an immediate end to the violence.
"The Algerian government is deeply concerned about the situation in the Republic of Niger and strongly condemns the attempted coup taking place there," the foreign ministry of Algeria said in a statement.
Global condemnations
In a short statement released by his spokesperson, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday strongly condemned the coup attempt in Niger.
"The secretary-general is following closely the situation in Niger. He condemns in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in Niger," said the statement.
The UN chief "calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the protection of constitutional order. The United Nations stands by the Government and the people of Niger," the statement said.
Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday condemned the coup as a betrayal of their republican duty and one that betrays the stability of democratic institutions in the West African country.
The statement called for an immediate cease to the military actions.
"The AU Commission Chairperson calls on the people of Niger, all their brothers in Africa, particularly in the ECOWAS, and around the world, to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of this coup attempt, and for the immediate and unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks," the statement said.
The European Union, France and Britain have also condemned the coup.
Bazoum's uncertain fate
Niger's presidential guard has imposed a blockade on the presidency since 10 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) Tuesday, a staff member of the presidency told Xinhua earlier on Wednesday.
The fate of Bazoum remained uncertain, but his representatives told the press that he was safe.
The United States has demanded the release of President Bazoum after he was detained inside his palace.
"We specifically urge elements of the presidential guard to release President Bazoum from detention and refrain from violence," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.
According to the Nigerien soldiers in the press release, "All institutions from the 7th Republic are suspended, the FDS is managing the situation, and urges all external partners not to interfere."
The land and air borders are closed until the situation stabilizes. A curfew is established from 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) to 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) throughout the territory until further notice.
Bazoum assumed office in 2021 after winning the elections. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has witnessed four coups.
