By : Lloyd Mahachi
Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has made a shocking move, dismissing interim Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolving the government. This decision was announced in a decree issued by the office of military leader Ibrahim Traore on Friday.
The decree didn’t provide a reason for Tambela’s dismissal. He was appointed interim premier after Traore seized power in September 2022. This move is the latest in a string of military coups in West Africa’s unstable Sahel region.
The Sahel region has been plagued by instability and violence in recent years. Military coups have become increasingly common, with several countries in the region experiencing military takeovers. The situation in Burkina Faso is particularly concerning, with the country facing numerous challenges, including a growing insurgency and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Burkina Faso has been fighting Islamist insurgents, some with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State, since they spread into its territory from neighboring Mali almost a decade ago. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and left many more in need of humanitarian assistance.
Traore vowed to do better than his predecessors when he assumed command in 2022. However, the security situation has deteriorated further under his regime. His government has also cracked down on dissent, according to analysts, rights groups, and humanitarian workers.
The country’s humanitarian and security challenges are worsening. The junta-led government is pursuing an aggressive military campaign against jihadist armed groups. These groups have extended their control to around 40% of the country.
The humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso is dire. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, and many more are in need of humanitarian assistance. The situation is particularly concerning in the north of the country, where the conflict is most intense.
Burkina Faso’s human rights situation has also deteriorated considerably. Deadly attacks by Islamist armed groups against civilians have surged. Military forces and pro-government militias have committed abuses during counterinsurgency operations.
The international community has been putting pressure on the Burkinabè authorities to address these issues. The European Union has called for an impartial and thorough investigation into the massacre of civilians in the village of Karma.
The situation in Burkina Faso is complex and multifaceted. The country faces numerous challenges, including a growing insurgency, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, and a deteriorating human rights situation. The international community must continue to put pressure on the Burkinabè authorities to address these issues and work towards a more stable and secure future for the country.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
