Niger’s military coup regime has formed a government, according to a decree by the country’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani. An announcement that comes just before a crucial Thursday summit of Niger’s West African neighbors in Abuja.
The military regime resulting from a coup in Niger has formed a government, according to a decree by the country’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani, read on national television overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. The 21-member government, announced just before a crucial Thursday summit of Niger’s West African neighbors in Abuja, is led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine who was appointed on Monday.
It includes 20 ministers. Those of Defense and the Interior are generals of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) which took power, respectively General Salifou Mody and General Mohamed Toumba. This government marks the foundation of the military regime since it overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, and appears as a sign of defiance towards the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States. (ECOWAS) who are meeting Thursday in Abuja to assess the situation in Niger.
France singled out
“Important decisions” are expected at this summit, according to the regional organization which reaffirmed that it favors diplomatic means to restore constitutional order in Niger, while maintaining its threat of the use of force to restore the president. Bazoum in his functions.
ECOWAS is considered by the new masters of Niamey as an organization “in the pay” of France, a former colonial power, their main target since they took power. On Wednesday, they accused her of having violated Nigerien airspace in the morning, closed since Sunday, with a French army plane from Chad, and of having “liberated terrorists”. Charges immediately denied by France.