JUST IN: Niger coup leaders announce 21 ministers

Niger’s coup leaders have announced a 21-man list of Ministers in the new government.

The Nation reports the military leaders in Niger who seized power in a coup in July have formed a new government.

Muahamane Roufai Laouali, who was cited as the “secretary-general of the government,” read out the names on state television on Thursday, without specifying any further plans.

Three of the generals who helped in the July 26 removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum were named ministers of defence, interior and sports in the government, which is about half the size of the previous one.

Heads of state in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are scheduled to hold a summit in Nigeria on Thursday to agree on a plan of action for Niger, where the coup leaders have refused to stand down.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will lead the 21-member government with generals from the new military governing council heading the defence and interior ministries.

Details shortly…