As reported by local media, Niger's military junta has named a transitional prime minister through a decree that was broadcast on national television. Ali Lamine Zene has been appointed to lead the interim government in the role of prime minister. This development comes over a week after a military coup led to the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The newly appointed Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zene, is an economist. His selection was made by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who declared himself as the head of the transitional government. Zene, aged 58, previously held the position of finance minister under the leadership of Mamadou Tandja. Tandja governed Niger from 1999 to 2010, overseeing the restoration of civilian rule in the nation.

Presently, Zene serves as the Country Manager for Chad at the African Development Bank, having previously worked in Ivory Coast and Gabon for the same institution. Reports suggest that he is expected to facilitate consultations for the formation of the upcoming government.

Meanwhile, in a series of unfolding events, US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland engaged with Niger's military leaders, urging them to reverse the coup. However, despite an ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Niger junta's stance remained unaltered. Nuland's discreet visit took place and she characterized the discussions as "extremely frank and at times quite difficult."

In parallel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the preference for diplomatic resolutions to the Niger situation. He conveyed during a radio interview, "Diplomacy is certainly the preferred way of resolving this situation... It is ECOWAS' current approach. It is our approach."

ECOWAS, the regional African bloc, is intensifying its diplomatic endeavors to address the unfolding situation in Niger. The 15-nation coalition is set to convene a summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. Despite discussions of potential military intervention, such actions have yet to be executed.

Notably, the Niger junta has garnered support from neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have experienced military coups within their borders. These countries, currently governed by juntas, have cautioned against ECOWAS-led military interventions, describing them as potential disasters. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop highlighted, "The military force that has been used in other... countries, we see the results—it's a disaster."

Burkina Faso and Mali have explicitly stated that any military intervention in Niger to reinstate President Bazoum would be interpreted as a "declaration of war" against their respective nations.

Image source: Naija News