By : Lloyd Mahachi
Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, has appointed a new prime minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo. This decision comes just a day after Traore dissolved the government without providing any reason.
The new premier was appointed through a presidential decree read on state television on Saturday. Ouedraogo’s background includes being the communications minister and spokesperson for the previous government. He is also a journalist by trade and a close ally of Traore.
Ouedraogo’s appointment is seen as a significant development in Burkina Faso’s political landscape. He was formerly the editor-in-chief and then director of the country’s state television. His experience in the media sector is expected to bring a new perspective to the government.
The dismissal of former Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela has raised questions about the stability of the government. Tambela was appointed interim premier soon after Traore seized power in September 2022. The reasons behind his dismissal are still unclear.
The junta, led by Traore, ousted the military rule of Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba about eight months after it had staged a coup to remove democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré. Since then, the military leaders have struggled to end Burkina Faso’s security challenges, which was the primary reason for the coup.
The country is facing growing attacks by extremists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. These attacks have devastated the country, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. More than two million people have been displaced, half of them children.
Analysts believe that around half of Burkina Faso’s territory remains outside of government control. This lack of control has created a power vacuum, allowing extremist groups to flourish. The government’s inability to address the security challenges has raised concerns about its effectiveness.
The transitional government has been running under a constitution approved by a national assembly that included army officers, civil society groups, and traditional and religious leaders. Initially, the junta had set a goal to conduct an election in July 2024 to return the country to democratic rule.
However, in May, the junta extended its transition term for five more years, the duration of one presidential term. This decision has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic rule. The extension of the transition period has also raised questions about the government’s ability to address the country’s security challenges.
Burkina Faso, along with Niger and Mali, has severed ties with long-standing Western and regional partners, including ECOWAS, which they all quit early this year. The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and are battling jihadi violence that first erupted in northern Mali in 2012.
The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States is seen as a significant development in the region’s efforts to address the security challenges. The alliance is expected to provide a framework for cooperation and coordination among the member states. However, the effectiveness of the alliance remains to be seen.
The situation in Burkina Faso remains complex and challenging. The government’s ability to address the security challenges and restore democratic rule remains uncertain. The international community is watching the situation closely, and the outcome will have significant implications for the region.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
