Niger junta leader names transitional cabinet.

Despite appeals from regional leaders to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of the Niger junta, has named a government.

On Thursday, the cabinet was unveiled on official television at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT).

There are 21 ministers in the new cabinet, including two ministers of state and one delegate minister.

Interim Prime Minister Lamine Zeine Ali Mahamane, who will also serve as the minister of economy and finance, is in charge of the new transitional government, which consists of both military and civilian figures.

Former chief of staff Lt Gen Salifou Mody, widely considered to be Gen Tchiani’s deputy, has been named minister of national defense.

Col Maj Abdourahmane Amadou, who has been reading the majority of communique on state TV since the 26 July coup, is the minister of youth and sports.

The junta has already named new military chiefs and sacked most of the senior government officials who served in Mr. Bazoum’s administration.

Source:3News.com