afrol News, 2 March - Niger's junta has created a transitional government of 20 ministers nearly two weeks after the ouster of President Mamadou Tandja.

According to the national television, the coup chief, Major Salou Djibou, has signed a decree appointing 20 ministers on Monday, five of the posts to women and five to officers in a bid to return the West Africa state to democratic rule.

In mid February, renegade soldiers stormed into the presidential palace and arrested President Tandja. The president had refused to step down after his mandate expired in December, pushing for a referendum to stay in power.

On 22 February, 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 a national referendum.

Although the coup was welcomed locally, it was condemned internationally.

Analysts have said that the President’s indication to cling onto power, had lead to the coup. The president is still being held under house arrest by the junta which it is yet to reveal its plans about him.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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