Supporters of a coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president’s party, setting it on fire and stoning and burning cars outside.

The small group of arsonists had broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.

The army has now given its backing to the troops who took President Mohamed Bazoum captive on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old ejected President, who was elected as Niger’s president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa, and has assured the safety of democracy.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the president broke his silence saying “the gains obtained through hard struggle will be saved”…and “All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it,”

It is however unclear if the president tweeted while in military custody.