JUST-IN: Military finally overthrows democratic govt in Niger Republic

• Bazoum was detained by the coupists throughout Wednesday as military trucks were used to block and cordon off the presidential palace
• They claim to have seized power because of worsening security situation as well as bad social and economic management.

Soldiers have seized power in Niger Republic.

The soldiers announced ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum from power on Thursday.

Bazoum was detained by the coupists throughout Wednesday as military trucks were used to block and cordon off the presidential palace, engendering fear of impending military takeover in the West Africa country.

The soldiers eventually announced the coup in televised broadcast in the early hours of Thursday

In the broadcast, 10 senior officers led by Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said the National Council of the State Guard of the Nation had decided to “put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.

They claimed to have seized power because of deteriorating security situation as well as bad social and economic management.

“We reaffirm our support to all commitment undertaken by Niger,” the soldiers said.

They had earlier cordoned off office and residence of Bazoum with military vehicles.

Crowds had flocked the streets of the capital city, Niamey, in support of the president, but soldiers fired shots to disperse them.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had intervened by sending the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, to the country

Talon proceeded after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS Chairman, in Abuja.

Tinubu had earlier condemned the development, warning that the regional body, as well as the global community, would not condone disruption of constitutional order within the sub-region