General Abdourahamane Tchiani president of the transitional council in Niger

On state television in Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared on Friday that he had assumed control of a transitional council following a coup that took place on Wednesday.

During his initial public appearance, General Abdourahamane Tchiani asserted that the military took control in Niger as a consequence of the worsening security circumstances.

He expressed that under President Bazoum's reign, there existed a "political narrative" that aimed to deceive the public into thinking that "all is well," despite the grim reality filled with loss of life, displacement, humiliation, and disillusionment.

He emphasized that despite the significant sacrifices made by the people of Niger and the valuable support of our international allies, the existing security strategy failed to ensure the safety of the country.

Tchiani has been in charge of the Presidential Guard ever since he was appointed to the position by Mahamadou Issoufou, who was Mohamed Bazoum's predecessor, in 2015.