It is 01:30 universal time and here is the news in special English
Soldiers in Niger have ousted the government. The rebel soldiers say they are suspending the Constitution and all state agencies. A spokesman for the ruling military group said on State TV Thursday that the military have to take responsibility for the country. Diplomats and ministry officials in Niger say rebel soldiers attacked President home and seized President Mamadou Tandja while the Cabinet was meeting. It is not clear where the rebels took the President. Earlier in the day smoke could be seen rising from the Niger’s Presidential Palace. Witnesses reported hearing heavy gun fire and explosions. The ruling military has ordered a curfew in the capital, Niamey. Last year the President dismissed both Parliament and the Constitutional Court and ruled by official declaration.
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