Niger coup: Captive President Bazoum defiant after takeover
Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum has issued a defiant message on Twitter after soldiers announced a coup overnight in the West African nation.
Trouble began early on Wednesday when troops from the presidential guard took him captive.
His foreign minister has said the takeover does not have the backing of the whole military, but the army chief has now said he backs the junta.
Mr Bazoum is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants.
The US and France both have military bases in the uranium-rich country - and have condemned the coup.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up Mr Bazoum promising Washington's "unwavering support" and the UN and the European Union have called for the president's immediate release.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66324875