Niger’s junta has announced a new government, two weeks after ousting the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Military leaders announced the move in a televised broadcast on Wednesday night, naming 21 new ministers.
Mahamane Roufai Laouali, who is cited as ‘secretary general of the government’ read out the names of 21 ministers without detailing further plans.
Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will lead the government, with generals from the new military governing council heading the defense and interior ministries, according to the decree.
It comes as West African leaders are meeting in Abuja to discuss military action against the junta, led by former Presidential Guard Commander Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Important decisions are expected from the gathering in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, according to a statement from the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States on Tuesday.
