Niger junta names 20 ministers to a new transitional government nearly 2 weeks after coup
By APTuesday, March 2, 2010
Niger junta names transitional government
NIAMEY, Niger — Niger’s military junta has announced new transitional government nearly two weeks after seizing power in the West African nation.
State television says coup chief Maj. Salou Djibou signed a decree appointing 20 ministers on Monday. Five of the posts went to women and five to officers.
Renegade soldiers overthrew President Mamadou Tandja on Feb. 18 in a popular coup after the aging leader refused to step down after his mandate expired in December.
On Feb. 22, the junta announced it would form a transitional government giving Djibou the power to appoint a premier and Cabinet. It also promised a new constitution would eventually be adopted by national referendum.
Last week, Mahamadou Dandah was named prime minister.
