In a dramatic turn of events, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani, has proclaimed himself the new leader of Niger following a coup that unfolded on Wednesday. The country's presidential guards unit, under Gen Tchiani's command, seized control of the nation's leadership, disrupting what would have been Niger's first peaceful and democratic transition since gaining independence in 1960. President Mohamed Bazoum, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the region, is currently held captive by his own guards, but reports suggest he is in good health.

The international community has been swift to condemn the coup, with strong disapproval expressed by the African Union, West African regional bloc (Ecowas), the European Union, and the United Nations. However, the coup has surprisingly found support from the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who reportedly hailed it as a triumph and portrayed it as a struggle of the Nigerien people against their colonizers. The authenticity of Prigozhin's comments remains unverified, as reported by the BBC.

Gen Tchiani, aged 62, has been in command of the presidential guard since 2011 and earned the rank of general in 2018 under former President Mahamadou Issoufou. He has previously been linked to a coup attempt against the ex-president in 2015 but denied any involvement during his court appearance.

In a televised address, Gen Tchiani cited several pressing issues in Niger, including insecurity, economic hardships, and corruption, among others, as reasons behind the junta's takeover. This coup reflects a broader trend of political upheaval in the West African region, with neighboring countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso also witnessing recent government topplings.

The coup's repercussions extend to the leadership of Ecowas, dealing a significant blow to the regional bloc. Just two weeks ago, Ecowas chairman President Bola Tinubu had warned of the alarming levels of terrorism and the emerging pattern of coups in West Africa, urging urgent and concerted actions to address the challenges.

As the dust settles, concerns are now arising about the new leader's potential alliances with other countries. Neighboring nations, Burkina Faso and Mali, have pivoted towards Moscow following their own recent coups, raising questions about Niger's future foreign relations and geopolitical positioning.

The situation in Niger remains fluid and closely watched by the global community, with uncertainty surrounding the country's political landscape and stability.

Reading from a statement, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, accompanied by nine other officers, cited the deteriorating security situation and governance issues as reasons for the regime change. The soldiers declared the dissolution of the constitution, the suspension of all state institutions, and the closure of the nation's borders. In a message of caution, they warned against foreign intervention and assured that President Bazoum's well-being would be respected.

Niger, a former French colony, has been a crucial ally for Western powers seeking to counter insurgencies in the region. However, recent military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso have led to strained relations with France. The country also plays a significant role in the European Union's efforts to tackle irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.

President Bazoum, elected two years ago in Niger's first democratic transition of power, was taken captive by troops from the presidential guard early on Wednesday. Despite the coup, the foreign minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, claims that not all of the military supports the takeover. Meanwhile, the army chief has declared support for the junta.

The coup has sparked reactions both domestically and internationally. President Bazoum issued a defiant message on Twitter, vowing to safeguard the nation's hard-won achievements and democracy. Coup supporters took to the streets in the capital, Niamey, but the situation remains tense. Foreign Minister Massoudou has proclaimed himself as the head of state, calling on democrats to oppose the coup.

The United Nations expressed its support for the Nigerien government and people, while President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, deployed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), arrived in Niger to assess the unfolding crisis. ECOWAS has vowed to counter any anti-democratic acts and restore stability to the country.