Niger's military junta has formed a new transitional government of 20 ministers, including five soldiers and five women, according to an official statement read on state radio. The defence, sport and environment portfolios went to three generals close to toppled president Mamadou Tandja.

The line-up includes five military officers, but aside from the defence ministry, now headed by General Mamadou Ousseini, the other soldiers have been appointed to relatively minor departments, according the Al-jazeera.

Major Salou Djibo, the junta leader announced the formation of the provisional cabinet on state television on Monday.

He said that no member of the junta that seized power in a coup this month or member of the transitional government would stand in promised presidential elections.

"The days of autocratic regimes in this country are over," Djibo said on Sunday, insisting "our only goal is to accompany the return to democracy in our dear homeland."

Mahamadou Danda, the civilian prime minister who has urged the coup leaders to ensure a swift return to democratic rule, keeps the job he was handed last month.

Monday's announcement comes nearly two weeks after the army ousted Tandja after a lengthy dispute in the West African country over his moves to extend his mandate and powers.