Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of the Niger’s Junta, has formed a cabinet and chosen 21 new ministers despite demands from regional leaders for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The cabinet was unveiled on state television on Thursday at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT).

There are 21 ministers in the new administration, including two state ministers and one who represents delegates.

The new transitional administration, made up of military and civilian figures, is led by temporary Prime Minister Lamine Zeine Ali Mahamane, who will also serve as Economy and Finance Minister.

Lt Gen Salifou Mody, former chief of staff and largely regarded as Gen Tchiani’s deputy, has been appointed minister of national defence.

Col Maj Abdourahmane Amadou, who has been reading the majority of communique on state TV since the 26 July coup, is the minister of youth and sports.

Most of the senior government officials who worked under Bazoum’s administration have been fired, and new military leaders have now been selected by the junta.