Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has announced the dismissal of Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela and the entire cabinet through a decree broadcast on national television. The move marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape as the government faces ongoing challenges. The decree, signed by President Traoré, effectively removes the current prime minister and ministers from their positions, though the ministers will remain in office temporarily to ensure the continuity of government operations until a new cabinet is formed.
This action, which comes less than a year after Kyelem de Tambela’s appointment as prime minister, is part of the broader political reshuffling in Burkina Faso following recent developments in the country’s leadership.
The dismissal of the prime minister and his cabinet members is the latest chapter in Burkina Faso’s evolving political narrative. Kyelem de Tambela had been appointed prime minister on October 21, 2022, after the country underwent a military coup in January 2022, which ousted the then-president, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. The coup was driven by widespread discontent over the government’s handling of escalating violence from militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as the government’s perceived failure to restore security and stability.
Following the coup, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who led the military takeover, assumed power and sought to stabilize the country. He named Kyelem de Tambela as prime minister in a bid to establish a civilian component within the transitional government and provide governance during a challenging period.
However, despite efforts to regain control over the security situation, Burkina Faso has continued to face insurgent attacks and the displacement of civilians, with the northern and eastern parts of the country being particularly affected by extremist violence. Traoré’s decision to dismiss the prime minister and cabinet indicates growing frustration with the progress of governance and security efforts.
While the decree removes the prime minister and ministers from their posts, the document specifies that the current ministers will remain in office temporarily to handle ongoing government affairs. This interim measure is intended to prevent a leadership vacuum while Traoré works on appointing a new government. The decree emphasizes the need for stability and continuity as the country navigates through its difficult circumstances.
The role of the prime minister and the cabinet in Burkina Faso’s transitional government has been critical in managing the country’s domestic and international relations, as well as in efforts to address the security crisis. The changes signal a shift in priorities as the government works to reset its leadership and address both security concerns and the demands of the population for a more effective response to the violence and instability plaguing the nation.
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