A coup has taken place in Niger and the president has been captured after a gun battle in the capital, Niamey.
In a television announcement, a spokesman for the plotters said Niger's constitution had been suspended and all state institutions dissolved.
The country was now being led by a group called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), the spokesman said.
President Mamadou Tandja is believed to be in captivity at a military barracks.
Reports say government ministers are also being held.
Making the announcement on television, the spokesman for the coup leaders, wearing a military uniform, was surrounded by a large group of soldiers.
He called on the people of Niger to "remain calm and stay united around the ideals postulated by the CSRD", to "make Niger an example of democracy and good governance".
Abinyah's Commentary:
This is the legacy of the US/British led invasion and "democratization" of Iraq in 2003. It has given way to a unique veil of protection for pro democracy military coups.
Demographics:
The Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa names after the Niger River. Niger remains handicapped by its landlocked position, poor education, infrastructure, health care, deserts, poverty and environmental degradation. Since Niger's independence in August 3, 1960 her population has has five constitutions and three periods of military rule. It has had multiparty elected rule since 1999. With a majority Islamic population of just over 15,000,000 and a land area of 1,270,000km, 80 percent of which is covered by the Sahara desert.
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