Once involved in peacekeeping efforts in war-hit countries, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has now triggered a major crisis in West Africa by staging a coup de in Niger.

The military leaders who seized power in a coup in Niger Republic last month have formed a new government.

This was revealed in a decree read out on national television on Thursday, August 10.

Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will lead the 21-member government, with generals from the new military governing council heading the defense and interior ministries.