General Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of Niger’s presidential guard, has been named “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” (CNSP) following a military takeover in the West African country, state television reported. The military took over control of Niger because it concerned itself with the continued deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance, the CNSP said on Friday in a statement.

Later in the day, Tchiani signed an order to suspend the Constitution and dissolved the government, empowering the CNSP to exercise all legislative and executive authorities and the president of the council to represent the country in international relations. Niger’s Defence and Security Forces said late Wednesday that soldiers in the country had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage.