Niger president vows to protect democratic gains after coup

Confusion over who is in control as Mohamed Bazoum responds to move against him by parts of military

Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, has vowed to protect “hard-won” democratic gains after a group of military officers announced they had deposed him in a coup.

With reports suggesting Bazoum was being held by the coup plotters, who had earlier announced the suspension of state institutions and the closure of the country’s borders, Bazoum posted on Twitter: “The hard-won gains will be safeguarded, and all Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.”