Niger coup: Abdourahmane Tchiani declares himself leader

 

Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.[BBC]

Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country's leader.

Deposed President Mohamed Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960.

Mr Bazoum is currently thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards.