Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the country’s new prime minister, a day after abruptly dissolving the government. The announcement, made via a presidential decree on state television on Saturday, highlights ongoing political shifts under military leadership.
Ouedraogo, a journalist by profession and previously the communications minister and government spokesperson, is considered a close ally of military leader Ibrahim Traoré. He also served as editor-in-chief and later director of the national state television, solidifying his influence in the country’s media landscape.
The junta has not provided a reason for dismissing former Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, who was appointed shortly after Traoré came to power in September 2022. This latest move adds another chapter to Burkina Faso’s political instability, which has been marked by successive coups and persistent security challenges.
Traoré’s government came to power after ousting Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself had staged a coup against democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré.
These military takeovers reflect deep public frustration with the inability of previous administrations to address rising extremist violence.
Despite promises to restore security, the junta has struggled to contain attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Over the years, thousands of civilians have been killed, and more than two million people, half of them children, have been displaced.
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Burkina Faso’s transitional government operates under a constitution adopted by a national assembly composed of military officials, civil society representatives, and religious leaders. The junta initially committed to holding elections by July 2024 to restore democratic rule but later extended its transition timeline by five years.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc, has repeatedly pressured Burkina Faso to adhere to its initial schedule. However, relations between the junta and ECOWAS have soured, with Burkina Faso joining Mali and Niger in withdrawing from the bloc.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have united to form the Alliance of Sahel States, a coalition aimed at countering jihadi violence that first emerged in northern Mali in 2012. This shift underscores a broader rejection of traditional Western and regional partnerships in favor of fostering self-reliance among nations grappling with similar challenges.
With roughly half of its territory outside government control and escalating insurgency threats, Burkina Faso faces an uphill battle in achieving stability. Ouedraogo’s appointment as prime minister could signal a recalibration of strategy, though the junta remains tight-lipped about its broader plans.
As Burkina Faso navigates this turbulent chapter, international observers and citizens alike are watching closely to see whether the country’s leadership can fulfill its promises of peace and security while balancing demands for democratic governance.
