A hard blow for the international bodies which are campaigning for a return to democracy in Niger. During the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the putschist general Abdourahamane Tiani, the new self-proclaimed leader of Niger, announced on national television that he had formed a government. The 21-member government, including 20 ministers, announced just before a crucial ECOWAS summit on Thursday in Abuja, is led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine who was appointed on Monday.
The Ministers of Defense and of 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.
“Important decisions” from ECOWAS to come this Thursday
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 (Nigeria) to assess the situation in Niger.
“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.