The Nigerien military officially formed a new government on the night of August 9 to 10 around the country’s new strongman: General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The latter also announced the composition of the new team at the head of the country by reading a decree on national television.
The 21-member government, announced just ahead of a crucial Thursday summit of Niger’s West African neighbors in Abuja, is led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine and includes 20 ministers, including those of Defense and Interior Generals of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) which took power.
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 African States. West (ECOWAS) who are meeting Thursday in Abuja to assess the situation in Niger.
“Important decisions” are expected at this summit, according to the regional organization which reaffirmed to privilege the diplomatic way 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 Niger’s airspace, closed since Sunday, in the morning with a French army plane from Chad, and of having “liberated terrorists”. Charges immediately denied by France.
