Niger Soldiers Confirm Couple, Announce Removal Of Bazoum Suspension of Constitution

Niger soldiers have announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office.

Amadou Abdramane, a colonel-major, made the announcement in a televised address late Wednesday evening.

“We, the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime of President Bazoum,” Abdramane said while being flanked by fellow soldiers.

He added that they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the country’s borders.

Bazoum has been held hostage by troops from the presidential guard.

Heavy military presence had been reported in the presidential palace, while the president was denied access to his office and residence.

This coup is the fifth the unstable West African country has witnessed, as well as numerous coup attempts, since it gained independence from France in 1960.