Burkina Faso’s Military Leader Dissolves Government, Removes Prime Minister

Burkina Faso’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shake-up as Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader, dismissed Interim Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government on Friday. The announcement came via a decree issued by Traoré’s office, though no explanation was provided for the decision.

Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela had served as interim premier since Captain Traoré seized power in a September 2022 coup. This latest development marks another chapter in Burkina Faso’s turbulent political journey, as the country grapples with governance challenges amidst security and economic crises.

The decree dissolving the government stated that current officials in the cabinet would continue to perform their roles until a new administration is established. This measure appears to ensure continuity during the transitional period, but the lack of clarity surrounding the reasons for the shake-up has raised questions about internal dynamics within Traoré’s administration.

Traoré’s rise to power in 2022 was part of a wave of military coups sweeping across West Africa’s Sahel region in recent years. These takeovers are often framed as responses to deteriorating security conditions, governance failures, and public dissatisfaction. Burkina Faso, plagued by jihadist insurgencies and widespread instability, has been a focal point of this regional turmoil.

The dismissal of the interim prime minister comes on the heels of another significant move by the transitional government. Last month, it froze the assets of former transitional president Paul Henri Damiba, along with 112 other individuals and two legal entities. This sweeping measure, outlined in a decree signed by Economy Minister Dr. Aboubacar Nakanabo on November 19, 2024, targeted high-profile figures across various sectors.

Among those affected are ex-Foreign Ministers Djibril Bassolé and Alpha Barry, journalist Newton Ahmed Barry, and Aziz Diallo, a former deputy mayor of Dori. The sanctions reflect ongoing efforts by the transitional government to address alleged financial misconduct and political irregularities.

These developments underscore the high-stakes nature of Burkina Faso’s political transition. The asset freezes and reshuffling of leadership suggest Traoré’s administration is consolidating power while navigating the complex challenges of restoring stability and public trust.

Traoré’s leadership, like other military regimes in the Sahel, faces international scrutiny and internal pressures. The global community, particularly regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has closely monitored events in Burkina Faso. Previous coups in the region have drawn sanctions and condemnation, although the international response to Traoré’s latest move remains to be seen.

Domestically, the government’s reshuffle and aggressive stance against former officials have drawn mixed reactions. While some citizens view these actions as necessary for reform, others question the transparency and motivations behind them.

As Burkina Faso continues its journey through a period of political and social upheaval, Captain Traoré’s decisions will have far-reaching implications. The formation of a new government will be closely watched, both within the country and across the region, as stakeholders assess the trajectory of Traoré’s leadership.

For now, the West African nation remains in a state of flux, with its people yearning for stability amidst the persistent challenges of insecurity and economic hardship.