The Niger Republic military junta has formed a cabinet, days
after sacking the democratically elected government of Mohamed Bazoum.
Making the announcement in a televised broadcast on
Wednesday night, Mahamane Roufai Laouali, who is cited as ‘secretary general of
the government’ 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.
The government, which is about half the size of the previous
one, will be headed by Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who was named prime minister
on Tuesday.
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.
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