Late on July 26, soldiers in Niger came on national television to announce the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.
10 officials made up the group, and judging by their outfits, they were all affiliated with different parts of the security architecture.
The nine others lined up behind the announcer, Col. Major Amadou Abdramane, who was dressed in a blue uniform.
Aside from announcing Bazoum’s removal, the proclamation also disbanded the country’s institutions, suspended the constitution, and shut down its borders.
Developments earlier in the day:
Soldiers were reportedly barricading the presidential palace and various ministries in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
No bullets were fired during the incident, but the reason for the obstruction was not immediately clear, according to sources from the BBC.
While negotiations to resolve the crisis were taking on, the president was reportedly at home with his family.
There were military personnel all around the home.
Unnamed source: The incident was characterized as a “fit of temper” by the military.