The Niger constitution has been suspended, following a coup which took effect on Wednesday.

Soldiers announced on national TV that they had also suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.

Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the presidential guard. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, had promised Washington’s “unwavering support” for Bazoum.

Niger’s neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, have experienced coups in recent years.