Niger's presidential guard leader, Abdourahmane Tchiani, has declared himself the head of a transitional government following a military coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Tchiani made the announcement on state television, stating that he is the "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland." The coup was motivated by the deteriorating security situation in the country, according to Tchiani, who criticized the former government for failing to provide a solution to the crisis.

The constitution has been suspended, institutions of the republic have been suspended, and a nationwide curfew has been declared by the military.

The coup has drawn condemnation from international leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for Bazoum's release and warning of the dangers the coup poses to Niger and the region. The European Union has also threatened to cut aid to Niger, describing the coup as a "serious attack on stability and democracy."

The whereabouts of President Bazoum remain unknown, but he is reported to be in good health and has been able to communicate with other heads of state. The coup marks the fifth successful coup in Niger since its independence from France, and the sixth in West Africa in three years, raising concerns about the security of the region.