Niger coup ‘threatens the stability’ of region, Canada says. What to know

On July 26, Niger’s presidential guard claimed to have overthrown Mohammed Bazoum, the country's democratically elected president, after detaining him in his palace.

Ottawa is joining calls for Niger’s president to be reinstated after he was ousted during an attempted coup in the West African country last week.

President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained since July 26 after Niger’s presidential guard, which is headed by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, overran the government. He was appointed head of state on July 28 by a governing council set up by military forces.

Niger’s coup could have serious consequences for democratic progress and the fight against an insurgency by jihadist militants in the region, where Niger is a key Western ally.

Here is what you need to know.

On July 26, Niger’s presidential guard claimed to have overthrown Bazoum, the country’s democratically elected president, after detaining him in his palace. He has yet to resign.

Tchiani was sworn in two days later, and since then, the military-led regime has started to crack down on the government and civil liberties.

On Sunday evening, four government officials were arrested including Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, the minister of petroleum and son of former President Mahamadou Issoufou; Kassoum Moctar, minister of education; Ousseini Hadizatou Yacouba, the minister of mines, and Foumakoye Gado, the president of the ruling party.

That same night, military spokesperson Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that all government cars need to be returned by midday Monday and banned the use of social media to diffuse messages against state security.