The military leaders in Niger who seized power in a coup in July have formed a new government, according to a decree read out on national television on Thursday.
Mahamane Roufai Laouali, who made the announcement in a televised broadcast on Wednesday night, is cited as ‘secretary general of the government’.
Laouali read out the names of 21 ministers without detailing further plans.
Among the cabinet are three of the coup leaders who were named ministers of defence, interior and sports.
Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine who was appointed on Tuesday as Prime Minister will lead the 21-member government with generals from the new military governing council heading the defence and interior ministries.
The new government is about half the size of the previous one.
The development comes as leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) prepare to reconvene in Abuja to discuss the crisis in the landlocked West African nation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and chairman of the authority of Heads of state and Government of the Economic Community of the ECOWAS leaders will be considering and discussing the political situation and recent developments in Niger during the summit,” ECOWAS had said in a statement on Monday.
ECOWAS had given the junta a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate ousted Bazoum or risk intervention of whatever form.
Since the expiration of ECOWAS’ deadline on Sunday, there has been uncertainty on the bloc’s possible military intervention to restore democracy in the country.
The regional body’s suggestion of military force, even as a last resort, has been met with backlash from certain foreign countries, global organisations, and concerned individuals.
