NIGER-POLITICS-COUP-CONFLICT-ARMY

This video frame grab image obtained by AFP from ORTN - Télé Sahel on July 26, 2023 shows Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane (C), spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) speaking during a televised statement. Soldiers claimed on July 26, 2023 to have overthrown the government of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in a statement read out on national television, after a day in which the leader was detained in his official residence. "We, the defence and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime" of President Bazoum, said Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by nine other uniformed soldiers in the address. They said "all institutions" in the country would be suspended, borders were closed, and a curfew had been imposed "until further notice". (Photo by ORTN - Télé Sahel / AFP) (Photo by -/ORTN - Télé Sahel/AFP via Getty Images)