Niger coup: Head of presidential guard declares himself country leader

In Niger, the head of the presidential guard has declared himself leader of the country.

General Tchiani made the announcement 48 hours after he orchestrated a coup to remove his boss, President Mohamed Bazoum. He said he’s suspended the constitution and dissolved all institutions, and he warned against any foreign military intervention.

The landlocked former French colony is considered a vital ally by Western nations in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region.