Burkina Faso leader restructures government, dismisses prime minister

Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has announced a significant government restructuring to foster national progress and stability.

In a presidential decree shared on Friday, Traore terminated the official duties of Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the existing government.

This move sets the stage for the formation of a new team aligned with the administration’s vision of enhancing national sovereignty and promoting development.

Kyelem, who had led three successive governments since October 2022, played a pivotal role in navigating the country through a period of transition.

While no specific reason was provided for the change, analysts see it as part of Traore’s broader strategy to optimize leadership and governance.

Since assuming leadership, the administration has prioritized asserting Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and diversifying its alliances. A key aspect of this vision involves strengthening ties with countries like Russia while reducing dependency on former colonial powers.

Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore recently highlighted the shift, emphasizing that cooperation with Russia aligns better with Burkina Faso’s current priorities.

The government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by jihadist violence, which has affected millions of citizens.

Collaborative efforts with neighboring Sahel nations Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) shows a unified approach to tackling regional security concerns.