The leader of the mutineers who took power in Niger, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani has issued a proclamation establishing a new transitional administration, According to media reports.
Tchiani signed the order on Wednesday, according to the ActuNiger new portal, and the new interim government has 21 ministers.
According to the list of new government members, the military ranks comprise an absolute minority among them.
President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed and detained on July 26 by his own guards, led by Tchiani, who declared himself the country’s new leader.
The caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland then blocked the country’s borders, disregarding security accords with Niger’s former coloniser, France.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all financial help to the country and froze the assets of the rebels on July 30.
The sub-regional union also banned commercial flights to and from the country, as well as closing all borders.
ECOWAS moved further and gave the coup leaders one week within which to reinstate Bazoum and restore order, hinting that it would resort to military intervention otherwise.
The ultimatum expired on Sunday.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS leaders are expected to meet over the Nigerien question in Abuja, Nigeria on Thursday, Aug. 10.
