News - Middle East: General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard in Niger, has been named as the new leader of the Sahel country following a military takeover.

Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power and detained by members of his presidential guard on Wednesday.
General Tchiani appeared on national television on Friday and named himself "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland."
The general said the intervention had been necessary to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country.
"The harsh reality of insecurity in Niger, experienced by our defense forces and hardworking populations, with its toll of deaths, displacement, humiliation, and frustration, reminds us on a daily basis of this stark reality," Tchiani said.
He said that while Bazoum had sought to convince people that “all is going well… the harsh reality (is) a pile of dead, displaced, humiliation and frustration."
"The security approach today has not brought security to the country despite heavy sacrifice."
Armed Forces chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa said on Thursday that the army supports the coup to "avoid a deadly confrontation."