NIAMEY, Niger — The president of Niger was facing a military coup on Thursday after soldiers declared they intended to oust the leader, sparking international condemnation as it thrust the central African country into chaos.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was reportedly being held at the presidential palace after soldiers initiated the military coup Wednesday evening.
The coup was initiated by the presidential guard, which is headed by General Omar Tchiani. Members of Niger’s armed forces make up the presidential guard, which is usually responsible for protecting the president and his delegation.
On Thursday, diplomatic officials representing from West Africa, France, and Russia all called for constitutional order to be restored in Niger.
The U.S. has expressed support for the United Nations Security Council intervening before the coup escalates into a crisis that could destabilize the region.
Niger has been an ally to Western powers as the country and surrounding regions have been engaged in a fight to stave off insurgency by jihadist militants in the region.
A new leader has not yet been publicly announced.
This week’s military coup in Niger is the seventh in West and Central Africa since 2020.
More about the military coup in Niger can be found here.
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