Junta announces transition cabinet

The military junta in Niger has formed a new transitional government, weeks after seizing power on 18 February. A total of twenty ministers were appointed to form a transitional government. State radio says the positions of defence, sport and environment went to three generals close to toppled president Mamadou Tandja. The new cabinet includes five soldiers and five women.

(Photo: Reuters)

Members of the Supreme Council for Restoration of Democracy (CSRD) say no member of their group, nor the transitional government, will stand in presidential elections. The CSRD seized power after President Tandja attempted to change the constitution to stay in power longer than two terms.

In February, the junta suspended the constitution, dissolved the cabinet and promised to run elections at the end of a transition period. The length of the transition period has yet to be decided.

Niger’s new civilian prime-minister Mahamadou Danda urged the junta to restore democracy to the uranium-rich West African state, echoing calls from the international community.