In a dramatic escalation of political turmoil, Burkina Faso’s ruling military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, abruptly dismissed Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the entire government on Friday. The decision, announced via a presidential decree transmitted to Agence France-Presse (AFP), sent shockwaves through the already unstable West African nation. No official reason was provided for the sudden dismissal of de Tambela, who had only been appointed in October 2022 following the coup that brought Traore to power.
The decree concisely stated that the Prime Minister’s official functions were terminated, adding that the dissolved government members would continue to manage ongoing affairs until a new government is formed. Remarkably, de Tambela had navigated three previous government reshuffles, demonstrating a certain resilience within the volatile political landscape. His dismissal marks a significant shift, underscoring the precarious nature of power in a nation grappling with multiple crises.
Burkina Faso’s descent into instability began with the January 2022 coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who seized power from elected President Roch Marc Christian Kabore. However, Damiba’s rule was short-lived; just eight months later, he was himself overthrown by the current junta leader, 36-year-old Captain Traore.
This latest upheaval takes place against the backdrop of a brutal jihadist insurgency that has ravaged Burkina Faso, alongside neighboring Mali and Niger. These Sahel nations, all currently governed by military juntas, face a relentless wave of attacks from armed extremist groups. The humanitarian consequences are catastrophic: nearly two million Burkinabe citizens have been displaced from their homes, and the conflict has claimed over 26,000 lives since 2015 – a grim toll encompassing both soldiers and civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
The dismissal of the Prime Minister and the dissolution of the government raise serious concerns about Burkina Faso’s future stability and the ongoing struggle against the escalating jihadist threat. The lack of explanation for this significant political move further fuels uncertainty and leaves the nation wondering about the path ahead. International observers will be closely monitoring the situation for any further developments and their potential impact on regional stability in the already volatile Sahel region.
