‘Deteriorating security’: What led to Niger’s coup and what next?

A convoy of Nigerien soldiers patrol outside the town of Ouallam, Niger, July 6, 2021 (Reuters)

On Wednesday, elements of Niger’s presidential guard began the process that eventually led to the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum, president since April 2021.

Army spokesperson Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said in a statement broadcast on a state-run television channel that “the defence and security forces … have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.