Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine was announced as the new prime minister of Niger on national television on Monday night by the coup’s leaders.

    Zeine formerly held the positions of finance minister and director of the Niger cabinet. As coup leaders met with a US ambassador on Monday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken declared that negotiation is the “preferred way” to end the issue in Niger. To observe how the day’s events develop, keep an eye on our blog. All times are in GMT+2 Paris time.

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    Following news that the military leaders in Ecowas had created a comprehensive strategy for the use of force, the junta in Niger declared on Sunday that it had evidence indicating that “a foreign power” was getting ready to strike the nation.Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas’ commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, earlier stated that the organization wanted “diplomacy to work” despite “all the elements” of a “eventual intervention” having been worked out.After President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Nigerian Senate about the Ecowas resolutions imposing sanctions and the potential use of military force, the Senate spent the weekend debating the situation in Niger.

    Also read Over 1,000 vehicles are stranded in the endangered Nigeria-Niger massive train project.

    After President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Nigerian Senate about the Ecowas resolutions imposing sanctions and the potential use of military force, the Senate spent the weekend debating the situation in Niger.According to local media, there was fierce resistance to military intervention, particularly from senators from states close to the two countries’ extensive border.

    President Tinubu has been particularly outspoken in calling for the Niger military to step down and has warned to use force if they do not; however, he requires National Assembly consent before sending in foreign troops.

    Read Niger’s border shutdown might cost Nigeria $1.3 billion in commerce.

    Numerous thousands of the coup leaders’ supporters gathered angrily on Sunday in a stadium in the nation’s capital, Niamey, as they appear unwilling to give up control.Under Mr. Bazoum, Niger was an important Western ally in the conflict with Islamist extremists in West Africa’s Sahel area. Niger is a significant producer of uranium, a fuel essential for nuclear power.

    Source France24 for more Naijaecho

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