In the aftermath of a military takeover just a fortnight ago, the military leadership in Niger has unveiled Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a former economy minister, as the nation’s new prime minister.
A spokesperson for the military junta delivered the announcement on Monday night via television.
Lamine Zeine had previously served as the minister of economy and finance under the administration of then-president Mamadou Tandja, who was deposed in 2010. He later held an economist role at the African Development Bank in Chad.
The military had seized power in late July, toppling the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and suspending the country’s constitution.
Under Bazoum’s leadership, Niger had been a crucial ally in the Western battle against Islamist extremist expansion in the Sahel region.
Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum for the reinstatement of President Bazoum. The deadline passed without compliance, prompting ECOWAS to consider measures, including the use of force.
Prime ministers from ECOWAS member states are set to convene in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Thursday to deliberate on the next steps.