Niger army claims coup, holds President Bazoum hostage
Two neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso have also experienced coups in recent years, triggered by Islamic jihadis.
The Army in the West African country Niger has announced a coup on its national television. The constitution has been dissolved, all institutions have been suspended and the borders of the nation have been sealed.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the Presidential Guard since Wednesday morning. According to the media reports Col Maj Amadou Abdramane said. ‘We have decided to put an end to the Presidential rule as the situation in administration and security is deteriorating’, announced Abdramane.
He announced that the borders have been closed and any interference by foreign countries will have to face the consequences. The US Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Blinken said that America is with the democratically elected President of Niger. He demanded that the President should be released immediately.
The US Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a telephonic conversation with President Bazoum and offered support to him. Two neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso have also experienced coups in recent years, triggered by Islamic jihadis.
