COUP DECLARED ON NATIONAL TV BY NIGER'S SOLDIERS

According to reports, the constitution has been dissolved, all institutions suspended, and the nation's borders closed, as announced by Niger Soldiers. The President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has been in the custody of the presidential guard since Wednesday morning.

During this situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured President Bazoum of Washington's firm and unwavering support in a recent phone call.

Mohamed Bazoum, President of Niger

Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres personally reached out to President Bazoum, assuring him of the United Nations' unwavering support for Niger, a country abundant in uranium resources.

President Bazoum holds significant importance as a crucial Western ally in the ongoing battle against Islamist militancy in the West African region. Recent history in neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, witnessed coups triggered by uprisings led by jihadist groups.

Soldiers Declaring Coup

In both Mali and Burkina Faso, the new military leaders have faced disagreements with France, their former colonial ruler, which also held control over Niger in the past. Niger, a vast and arid nation on the fringes of the Sahara desert, stands as one of the most impoverished countries globally.

Mr Bazoum's whereabouts are unclear but in a statement on Twitter on Thursday morning he said the "hard-won gains will be safeguarded" and that Nigeriens who love democracy will see to it. Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou has declared himself the head of state and called on all democrats to "make this adventure fail".

In the TV announcement on Wednesday, Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, alongside nine other uniformed soldiers behind him, said: "We, the defence and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime you know.

"This follows the continuing deterioration of the security situation, and poor economic and social governance."