Following in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso, a group of Nigerien soldiers chaired by Colonel Amadou Abdramane appeared on national television Wednesday to announce a coup d’état, declaring that they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the country’s borders.
“We, the defense and security forces, have decided to put an end to the regime you know,” said Colonel Amadou Abdramane, adding that this decision follows the continuing deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance.
BBC reported that Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, has been detained by presidential guard troops since early Wednesday, a striking contradiction from what had actually been reported yesterday; or, should it be said, what was actually allowed to be reported to Western media as of early afternoon on Wednesday.
“Our hard-won gains will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it,” tweeted Bazoum Thursday.
Amadou Abdramane went on to say that all external players are being requested to refrain from interfering in the situation, adding that a night-time curfew would take effect from 22:00 to 05:00 local time until further notice.