The announcement of the coup in Niger will come as a big blow to the leadership of the West Africa regional bloc, Ecowas, and raises the constitutional crises in the region to a new level.
In the past three years, soldiers have overthrown the presidents of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
And as had been the case with these countries, soldiers in Niger have cited the deteriorating security situation and bad governance as the reasons for taking over the government of the country.
But questions are being asked if there are external influences pushing these military coups in the former French colonies.
Two weeks ago Ecowas chairman President Bola Tinubu warned that terrorism and the emerging pattern of coups in West Africa had reached alarming levels and demanded urgent, concerted actions.
President Tinubu has now sent the President of Benin Patrice Talon to mediate in the ongoing situation in Niger.
Read our story about the coup here.