The military commanders in Niger, who took control through a coup last month, have established a new government, as proclaimed in a decree broadcasted on national television on Thursday.
At the helm of the 21-member junta, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will be supported by generals from the newly installed military governing council, with responsibilities for the defense and interior ministries.
Africa Today News, New York, reports on Thursday that Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the mutineers who seized power in Niger, has officially signed a decree outlining the formation of a new transitional government.
As reported by the ActuNiger news portal, Tchiani signed the decree on Wednesday, officially constituting the new interim government, which is made up of 21 ministers.
The list of new government members reveals that only a small minority hold military positions.
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On July 26, President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office and detained by his own guards, led by Tchiani, who took on the role of the country’s new leader.
Consequently, the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland made the decision to close the nation’s borders, dismissing security arrangements previously upheld with France, Niger’s former colonial Administrators.
As of July 30, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all financial assistance to the country and initiated a freeze on the assets of the rebels.
Moreover, the sub-regional alliance imposed a restriction on both incoming and outgoing commercial flights to the nation, coupled with the complete closure of its borders.
ECOWAS heightened its response, giving the coup leaders a one-week ultimatum to reinstate Bazoum and restore order, making a veiled reference to potential military intervention should the Juntas choose the path of non-compliance.
The ultimatum lapsed out on Sunday.
As things stand, a meeting of ECOWAS leaders has been scheduled to focus on the Nigerien situation in Abuja, Nigeria, and is set to occur on Thursday, August 10.