(Ecofin Agency) - Following the resignation of several members of the government, due to their candidacies in the presidential or legislative elections of December 27, the President of the Republic Issoufou Mahamadou proceeded last weekend to a cabinet reshuffle on the proposal of Prime Minister Brigi Rafini (pictured) who remained in his post.

The new government has 40 ministers against 42 for the previous one, Niamey et les 2 jours reported. The holders of several strategic portfolios remain in their places and must also ensure the interim of other ministries.

Those concerned include Foumakoye Gado, who in addition to being maintained in his position of Minister of State, Minister of Oil, is also appointed Minister Director of the Office of the President of the Republic in the interim; Mamadou Diop, Minister of Finance, who is now acting Minister of Equipment.

The department of public health is the responsibility of the Minister of Tourism Ahmed Boto, and Amina Moumouni, Minister of Population, has become the acting head of the ministerial department in charge of the promotion of women and child protection.

The Ministers of National Defense (Issoufou Katambé), Interior, Public Security, Decentralization and Customary and Religious Affairs (Alkache Alhada), Planning (Kané Aïchatou Boulama), and Energy (Amadou Aïssata) remained in their posts without additional portfolio.

New faces have also appeared in government. These are Boubacar Issoufou Djibo, appointed Minister of Communication, El hadj Elh Amadou Serkin Rafi Souley, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Abdoulaye Issaka appointed to head the Ministry of Community Development and Land Management.

This new government will have the task of leading the country during the election period that has just begun.

Mawulolo Ahlijah