General Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.

Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country’s leader, President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to BBC News,  Mr Bazoum is thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards.

In a televised address, General Tchiani said his junta took over because of several problems in Niger, including insecurity, economic woes and corruption.

He also assured the country’s global allies that the junta would respect all international commitments, as well as human rights.

The coup has been roundly condemned by international bodies including the African Union, West African regional bloc (Ecowas), the EU and the UN.