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Following an apparent coup in the West African nation of Niger on Wednesday, when members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, soldiers claim to have ousted the government.
After negotiations failed, the president's apartment and offices in the capital Niamey were locked off by members of the special guard, who later "refused to release" him, according to a presidential source.
The troops announced the suspension of "all institutions" in the nation, the closing of the borders, and the imposition of a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. "Until further notice," they said.
Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane declared on television late on Wednesday that "we, the defense and security forces...have decided to put an end to the regime" of President Bazoum.
He said, surrounded by nine other uniformed soldiers, "This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance."
Leaders from the region and around the world have demanded Bazoum's release. Bazoum took office two years ago, marking the first peaceful transfer of power in Niger since its independence from France in 1960.
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that nearby Benin's president, Patrice Talon, will travel to Niamey to assist in mediation efforts.
