The military coup leader in Niger, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has announced Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as the country’s prime minister.
Zeine, a former finance minister in his early 50s, previously held positions as cabinet director and finance minister from 2001 until the overthrow of the late former President Mamadou Tandja in 2010.
During his time away from politics, Zeine contributed his expertise to the African Development Bank in various African countries.
In addition to the prime ministerial appointment, the junta announced several key changes to the military and security system.
Brig. Gen. Amadou Didilli will now head the country’s High Authority for Peace Consolidation (HACP) while Brig. Gen. Abou Tague Mahamadou has been appointed as the Inspector General of the army and the national gendarmerie.
The junta also unveiled further appointments, including Col. Ibro Amadou Bachirou as the private Chief of Staff of Gen. Tchiani, and Lt. Col. Habibou Assoumane as the commander of the presidential guard.
