The head of the Republican Guard of Niger, General Abdourahmane "Omar" Tchiani, has officially declared himself the head of state, following a coup orchestrated earlier this week. Speaking on state television on Friday, Tchiani said Niger needed to change course to avoid "the gradual and inevitable demise" of its systems. He highlighted Niger's deteriorating security, economic hardship, and widespread corruption. He also announced the suspension of the constitution in Niger and the dissolution of the main state institutions.