PHOTOS: Irate Nigeriens Attack Politicians, Burn Vehicles, Campaign Offices After Military Coup

Supporters of the coup in Niger Republic have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president’s party, attacking politicians and setting their party headquarters on fire, stoning and burning cars within and outside the premises.

In shocking scenes, groups of civilians with some holding Russian flags beat up politicians who were perceived to be loyalists of President Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted president who was taken captive on Wednesday.

Following the TV announcement on Thursday by some soldiers of a successful coup, Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Bazoum’s release.

The 64-year-old, who was elected as Niger’s president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.

The US and France, who colonized Niger, both have military bases in the uranium-rich country and have condemned the coup.

Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: “The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.”

His foreign minister has also been trying to rally support and urge dialogue, but the army chief of staff said he was backing the takeover to avoid fighting within the armed forces.

In the capital, Niamey, shops and markets opened for business and after delays due to heavy rain early in the morning, coup supporters took to the streets.

Hundreds of people who gathered outside the National Assembly had some Russian flags, while others held up hand-written signs saying: “Down with France” and “Foreign bases out”.

Police later fired tear gas to disperse those who had gone to the headquarters of the ruling party, where party activists ran away when they saw the protesters coming.

The coup supporters accused the party of corruption and not doing enough to improve the security situation and end the long-running jihadist insurgency.