In a stunning turn of events, soldiers in Niger declared a coup on national TV, announcing the dissolution of the constitution, suspension of all institutions, and the closure of the nation's borders.
President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained by troops from the presidential guard since early Wednesday.
The coup leaders, led by Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, cited the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance as the reasons behind their drastic action.
Standing united with nine others in uniform, the soldiers claimed to act on behalf of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
The international community responded swiftly, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promising Washington's "unwavering support" for President Bazoum's release.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also offered the UN's full support and expressed concern over the escalating crisis.
Niger's President Bazoum is a crucial ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa, and his detention has heightened regional tensions.
Neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso have experienced coups triggered by jihadist uprisings in recent years, leading to regional stability and foreign influence concerns.
The situation has drawn attention to the role of foreign powers in the region, with Mali currently relying on heavily armed Russian Wagner mercenaries to combat jihadist insurgents.
Meanwhile, Niger's unrest adds to Western concerns about the Wagner Group's activities in the volatile Sahel region.
In response to the coup, the West African economic bloc Ecowas condemned the attempt to seize power by force and called for restoring constitutional order in Niger.
President Patrice Talon of Benin arrived in the capital, Niamey, on a mediation mission, expressing the bloc's commitment to resolving the crisis through peaceful means.
As the political turmoil unfolds, Niamey witnessed crowds taking to the streets in support of President Bazoum.
However, the city remained peaceful primarily, except for isolated incidents of shots fired by the coup's backers to disperse the protests.
Niger's history is marked by political instability, having experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.
With the country already grappling with two Islamist insurgencies, the military's power grab raises concerns about the potential for further unrest and violence in the region.
The international community closely watches the unfolding situation in Niger, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects democratic principles and preserves regional stability.