The military junta in Niger announced a new government for the country on Thursday evening. A list of 21 people who want to become ministers was read on state television. The overthrown government consisted of about twice as many people.
Important portfolios such as defense go to leaders of the military junta, in this case General Salifou Mody. He is second only to self-proclaimed President Abdourahamane Tiani and was a military attaché at the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin until 2019. Ex-Finance Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine was announced on Monday as the new Prime Minister and Mahamane Roufai Laouali is the new Secretary-General.
Isolation von Bazoum
As reported, the army seized power in the West African country on July 26, suspending the constitution and arresting democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. He and his family would be held in their home under inhumane conditions, even without running water. CNN reported that Bazoum was completely isolated and had to eat dry rice and noodles.
On Thursday, the heads of state of the West African community of states ECOWAS will discuss the current situation in Niger. So far you have emphasized your reliance on diplomacy, but the junta has shown no willingness to relinquish or concede power. “We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, and convince them in serious talks to relinquish power and restore President Bazoum,” ECOWAS chief Tinubu said.
Military intervention only as a last resort
Before the summit began, it was stressed that military intervention should only be a last resort. “A military attack can quickly turn into a major fire. I can’t imagine that in practice,” says Sahel regional manager Ulf Laessing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. It would not be a “crackdown on rebels”, but an “interstate war”.
There have been seven coups d’état in West and Central Africa in the past three years alone. Thousands of people have died and millions are still on the run. Until now, Niger has played a leading role in the fight against Islamism in the region. Its uranium and oil reserves are of strategic security and economic importance to Europe, the US, China and Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
