Niger General Declares Himself Leader, as Russian Mercenary Hails Coup

The head of Niger’s presidential guard declared himself the country’s leader on Friday after soldiers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup. The army warned against foreign military interventions to reinstate Bazoum.

The head of Niger’s presidential guard declared himself the leader of a new junta Friday after deposing a president who had been a key ally to the U.S. in the fight against extremism in Africa.West, African nations consider how to respond to overthrow of president held hostage.