KEY POINTS
- Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo named Burkina Faso’s new prime minister.
- Traore’s junta struggles with ongoing extremism and security issues.
- Burkina Faso maintains a firm stance against ECOWAS and aligns with Sahel States.
Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the new prime minister, a day after dissolving the government without explanation. Ouedraogo, who previously served as the communications minister and government spokesperson, takes over from former Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.
The announcement was made on Saturday via a presidential decree read on state television by military leader Ibrahim Traore. Ouedraogo, a seasoned journalist and former director of Burkina Faso’s state television, is seen as a close ally of Traore.
No reason was given for the removal of de Tambela, who had been serving as interim prime minister since September 2022, shortly after Traore seized power. The development highlights the fluid nature of Burkina Faso’s political landscape under military rule.
Traore’s surprise move and Ouedraogo’s appointment
Ibrahim Traore’s decision to dissolve the government and name a new prime minister took many by surprise. The sudden change of leadership, with no official justification, has fueled speculation about possible internal disagreements or the junta’s desire to tighten control.
Ouedraogo’s rise to the role of prime minister appears to underscore the trust Traore places in his close allies. As a journalist with a background as editor-in-chief and director of state television, Ouedraogo is well-versed in public communications, a skill that could prove essential as the junta faces mounting criticism over Burkina Faso’s worsening security crisis.
Moreover, observers believe the appointment could be part of a larger strategy to project a stronger image of unity and authority, as the country grapples with growing pressure from international bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Burkina Faso’s ongoing struggle with extremism
One of the key challenges facing the new prime minister is Burkina Faso’s persistent battle against extremist violence. Militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have launched deadly attacks, killing thousands and displacing over two million people, half of whom are children.
Despite the junta’s claim that military rule was necessary to restore security, the situation has not significantly improved. Approximately half of Burkina Faso’s territory remains outside of government control, with violent extremists expanding their grip.
According to Africa News, these security issues were among the reasons cited by Traore’s regime for ousting former military leader Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself had toppled President Roch Marc Kaboré just eight months earlier.
However, the deteriorating security situation continues to fuel calls for stronger leadership, which could explain why Traore replaced the prime minister. However, with Ouedraogo now at the helm, it remains to be seen whether he can tackle the country’s ongoing security crisis more effectively.
Like neighboring Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso has taken a confrontational stance against Western powers and regional partners. The country withdrew from ECOWAS earlier this year and joined the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) alongside Niger and Mali.
