- In Niger, soldiers have appeared on national television to declare a coup. They claimed to have locked the country’s borders, repealed the constitution, and suspended all institutions.
- Since early on Wednesday, soldiers from the presidential guard have been keeping Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in custody.
- In a phone conversation to Mr. Bazoum, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed Washington’s “unwavering support”.
- Additionally, the president was given the UN’s full backing, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who claimed to have talked with him.
- Mr. Bazoum is a crucial ally of the West in the battle with Islamist extremism in West Africa.
