Soldiers in Niger announce a coup

By Robert Mutasi

Soldiers in the West African nation of Niger have announced a coup on national television.

They said they have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation's borders.

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained by soldiers from the presidential guard unit since early Wednesday.

He was promised "unwavering support" from Washington over the phone by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said he spoke with the president and gave him full UN support.

Mr. Bazoum is a major Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in West Africa.

Two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have been hit by coups driven by the rebellions of Jihadist groups in recent years.

In both countries, new military leaders have disagreed with France, a former colony, which also ruled Niger.

In a TV announcement on Wednesday, Colonel Maj Amadou Abdramane, along with nine other uniformed soldiers behind him, said: "We, the defense and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime as you know it.

"This comes after the continued deterioration of the security situation, and poor economic and social governance."

He also said that all institutions in the country have been suspended and ministry heads will manage daily operations.

The West African economic community Ecowas said it "strongly condemns the attempt to seize power by force".