The French newspaper Le Figaro reports that the military that seized power in Niger appointed Ali Mahaman Lamin Zeine, the former minister of finance, as the new prime minister.
Ali Mahaman Lamin Zeine is said to have been Niger’s Minister of Finance from 2002 until a coup by Major Sal Jibo in 2010.
The Nigerian military has also appointed a new commander of the presidential guard, Lt. Col. Habib Asuman.
The appointments came after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum to the military demanding the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazum. ECOWAS has not ruled out the use of force if this demand is unmet.
For now, President Bazum remains isolated in his private residence since the day of the coup.
It should be noted that on July 26, the soldiers of Niger’s presidential guard removed President Bazum from power. Army General Abdurrahman Tchiani was declared the new head of the country.
On August 7, acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland visited Niger and met with rioters. He called on the military to resolve the issue diplomatically and to return to the constitutional order.
