THE military group that seized control in Niger two weeks ago took practical steps today towards governing the country.

Economist Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine led consultations on the formation of a new government after he was named as prime minister on Monday.

Mr Zeine is a former minister of economy and finance who left office in 2010 when his government was ousted by a previous military coup.

The move towards governance by the new rulers of Niger came as they refused to admit mediation teams from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the United Nations and the African Union. 

The new Nigerien authorities said that their decision was based on “evident reasons of security in this atmosphere of menace.”

Ecowas had threatened to use military force if the junta failed to reinstate elected president Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday, but the deadline passed without action from the regional bloc.

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and critical to the success of any possible intervention in Niger, the Senate rebuffed President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu when he asked it to approve participation. Mr Tinubu is also the current chairman of Ecowas.

While the crisis drags on, the 25 million-strong Nigerien population continues to struggle to make ends meet. 

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. Many of its people live hand to mouth and have appeared to give overwhelming backing to the military takeover, staging huge demonstrations in support of the new leaders.

Harsh economic and travel sanctions imposed by Ecowas in response to the military seizure of power have led to a spike in food prices.

Erkmann Tchibozo, a shop owner from neighbouring Benin who works in Niamey, said it had been hard to import any stock for his shop near the airport.

“If it continues like this, the situation is going to become very difficult,” he said.

Former colonial power France appears to be moderating its earlier aggressive tone towards the new Nigerien regime.

On Tuesday, French diplomatic sources said that Paris stood by its policy of backing efforts to “restore democracy” in Niger, but believed that it was up to Ecowas to decide how best to “restore the constitutional order in Niger, whatever that decision may be.”

Political analysts say that the longer it takes to find a solution, the more difficult it will be to oust the new rulers.