AfDB manager Lamine Zeine becomes transitional prime minister of Niger Republic’s coup plotters
AfDB manager Lamine Zeine becomes transitional prime minister of Niger Republic’s coup plotters
The leaders of the coup in Niger Republic have officially announced Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as the transitional Prime Minister.
Zeine, who currently serves as the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Country Manager for Chad, brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as the country’s Minister of Economy and Finance.
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Late on Monday, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the spokesperson for the military junta, shared this news on television.
Zeine, aged 58, will play a pivotal role in leading consultations for the formation of a new government in Niger.
Notably, Zeine served as the Minister of Finance under Mamadou Tandja, who led the country from 1999 to 2010 during its period of civilian rule. Prior to his current position as the AFDB country manager for Chad, Zeine held the same role in Ivory Coast and Gabon.
The military coup took place on July 26, 2023, resulting in the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum’s democratically elected government and the suspension of the constitutional order.
Despite an ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the reinstatement of President Bazoum, the coup leaders have not complied.
ECOWAS is set to hold another emergency summit on Thursday in Nigeria to address the ongoing political crisis in Niger. The regional body is determined to find a resolution to the situation and restore democracy in the country.