Junta in Niger appoints transitional Prime Minister

The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the new leadership in Niger, appointed Monday former Finance Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine as the country’s transitional Prime Minister.

Zeine served as Finance minister under Mamadou Tandja, who led the country from 1999 to 2010 after return to civilian rule.

The 58-year-old politician and technocrat currently serves as the African Development Bank’s Country Manager for Chad. Zeine is expected to lead consultations for the formation of a new government.

The CNSP on July 26 removed elected and west-backed leader Mohamed Bazoum. The move has been rejected by western powers and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The ECOWAS gave until Sunday August 6 to the junta led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani to restore power Bazoum or face military intervention.

Neighboring countries namely Burkina Faso and Mali slammed the regional block and vowed to stand in the way of the intervention.

The fall of Bazoum is the latest blow dealt to France, the former colonial power, which has been losing its influence in the region after Mali, Burkina Faso cut off ties.