Burkina Faso’s military junta has appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the country’s new Prime Minister.
Ouedraogo, a former journalist and communications minister, was named by junta leader Ibrahim Traore.
This sudden change in leadership follows the unexpected dissolution of the previous government. No official reason has been given for the dismissal of former Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.
A Nation Under Siege
Burkina Faso, like neighboring Mali and Niger, continues to grapple with escalating extremist violence and political instability. Jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State control significant portions of the country.
The junta has responded by postponing elections until 2029 and distancing itself from Western and regional partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Instead, the junta has aligned with Mali and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
Ouedraogo’s appointment comes at a critical time for Burkina Faso. He will be tasked with addressing the nation’s security challenges, economic hardships, and political uncertainty.
