Niger Set For Return to Democracy

Major Salou Djibo - New Leader

Coup leaders in the West African State of  Niger’s have named a transitional government of 20 ministers in a move to steer the country through to a democratic transition and civilian administration The leader of the coup which ousted Mamadou Tandja, Niger’s president, Major Salou Djibo, announced the formation of the provisional cabinet on state television recently. The list includes five military officers, but aside from the defence ministry, now headed by General Mamadou Ousseini, the other soldiers have been appointed to relatively minor departments. The civilian prime minister, Mahamadou Danda, who has urged the coup leaders to ensure a swift return to democratic rule, keeps the job he was handed last month.

This announcement comes nearly two weeks after the military ousted Tandja after a lengthy dispute in the west African country over his moves to extend his mandate and powers. The coup leaders, who refer to themselves as the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), have pledged to return the country to civilian rule as soon as possible. This is welcome news in a region where military coup leaders often seek to retain power despite promises of relinquishing it after assuming the reins.

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