As the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS meets in Abuja Thursday to discuss the conflict in neighbouring Niger Republic, the junta led by Abdourahmane Tchiani has announced the formation of a new government.
The new government according to the military in a broadcast on Thursday is backed by a decree read out on the country’s national television .
The military three days ago appointed a former Finance Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as Prime Minister.
Lamine Zeine will lead a 21-member government, with generals from the new military governing council heading the defence and interior ministries.
The announcement of the new government comes as leaders of ECOWAS prepare to meet over the situation in Niger.
ECOWAS had rolled out sanctions against Niger which are said to be biting hard on the government and the people of that country but the defiance of the Junta to the threat of Military action on Niger leaves several questions hanging as Africa and the rest of the world look forward to what the regional block will come up with in their meeting.
