In Niger, General Abdurahman Tchiani, the chairperson of the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of Homeland (CNSP), convened the cabinet for the first time under the new government, according to Niger Press Agency (ANP) coverage. The gathering marked the formal start of a reshaped executive roster as the CNSP-led administration extends its reach across ministries and key state agencies.
The report notes that the session began around 10:00 a.m. when General Tchiani, who leads the CNSP, presided over the cabinet meeting that included additional members from the CNSP. The only exception was the head of Niger’s Foreign Ministry, who at the time was abroad and unable to attend. This absence left the rest of Niger’s top diplomats in attendance as the government began to solidify its transitional framework.
Earlier in the day, General Tchiani signed a decree establishing a newly constituted transitional government. The decree brought a total of 21 ministers into the fold, creating a broader and more inclusive cabinet to implement the CNSP’s transitional agenda. The reshuffle signals the regime’s intention to set a new course for governance and public administration as the country navigates a difficult political period.
Earlier, on August 10, General Tchiani met with Ali Lamin Zein, appointed as the new Prime Minister by the CNSP-aligned forces, which had seized authority in the aftermath of the coup. Zein conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the role the CNSP leadership had played in forming a new central authority. Zein’s remarks reflected a desire to work within the framework established by the rebel leadership, and he expressed readiness to advance the transitional plan.
The conversations highlighted the central question facing Niger: how the new leadership will balance security concerns, political reconstruction, and international expectations as the country moves toward a defined transition. Analysts note that the CNSP’s choices for ministerial positions and the appointment of Zein as prime minister are meant to project stability and continuity while signaling a break from the previous administration. Observers emphasize that the real test will be the cabinet’s ability to deliver practical governance—ranging from public services to economic stabilization—under a challenging security environment and regional pressure.
In other accounts, reports suggest that the rebels who took control are functioning as a governing bloc, overseeing ministries and directing policy through appointed officials. The unfolding sequence of events points to a governance model that relies heavily on centralized decision-making, with the CNSP seeking to control the pace and scope of reform while maintaining legitimacy with domestic audiences and regional partners.
Citations: ANP (Niger Press Agency) coverage; cross-checks from multiple regional outlets indicate a consistent thread: the CNSP is actively shaping the executive branch and appointing a wider circle of ministers to support its transitional objectives. The situation remains fluid as ministries begin implementing the new cabinet’s directives and as Niger continues to navigate the post-coup landscape.
This evolving story underscores the delicate balance between asserting sovereign authority and addressing the needs of citizens who seek security, transparency, and steady governance. The early actions—cabinet expansion, a formal decree, and the PM’s outreach—mark the initial phase of a transition that many in Niger hope will stabilize institutions while preserving national interests and regional stability.