Niger’s army leadership has declared its support for a coup attempt initiated by soldiers of the presidential guard on the previous day, emphasizing its main objective is to prevent destabilization of the country.

The army chief of staff, in an official statement, stated their intention to safeguard the safety of the president and his family, avoiding a potentially violent confrontation that could endanger the population’s security and lead to bloodshed.

In a video communication, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, accompanied by several apparent soldiers, announced their decision to overthrow the current regime, citing concerns about the deteriorating security situation and alleged mismanagement of the country’s economy and society.

However, President Mohamed Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou have called on democratic forces to resist the coup attempt, while Western officials expressed uncertainty about the situation.

Despite the coup attempt, some reports suggest that not all segments of the army are involved, indicating divisions within the military ranks.