The people of Niger Republic are celebrating with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as the coup plotters, who seized power almost two weeks ago, have officially appointed Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as the new prime minister. The announcement was made late Monday night by a spokesperson for the military junta in a televised address.
Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the minister of economy and finance in the cabinet of former president Mamadou Tandja. He also served as an economist for the African Development Bank in Chad, as reported by local media outlets in Niger. His appointment comes at a critical time for the nation of 26 million inhabitants, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the military takeover.
The military ousted the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, at the end of July, leading to the suspension of the country's constitution. Bazoum's presidency had marked Niger as a strategic partner of the Western nations in the ongoing fight against the expansion of Islamist terrorist groups in the Sahel region.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had issued an ultimatum for the coup plotters to reinstate President Bazoum, but that ultimatum expired over the weekend. ECOWAS had warned of potential measures, including the use of force, should their demands not be met. As tensions rise, leaders from ECOWAS member states are scheduled to convene in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on Thursday to discuss the appropriate course of action moving forward.
The appointment of Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as prime minister offers a glimmer of hope for stability in Niger Republic during these uncertain times. The nation now awaits further developments and decisions from both its own leadership and the international community.
