Shock Move: Burkina Faso’s Military Leader Sacks Prime Minister, Dissolves Government

By Achimi muktar

Burkina Faso’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military ruler, abruptly dismissed Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government. The announcement, made via presidential decree on Friday, has left the nation and its allies speculating on the reasons behind the sweeping move.

A Sudden Dismissal

The decree offered no explanation for the prime minister’s removal, stating only that his functions had been “terminated” and instructing members of the dissolved government to handle ongoing business until a new cabinet is formed. Tambela, appointed in October 2022 following Traoré’s coup, had remarkably led three successive governments, surviving previous reshuffles.

This shake-up marks another chapter in Burkina Faso’s rocky political journey, characterized by coups and shifting alliances.

A History of Instability

Burkina Faso’s slide into political instability began with a coup in January 2022, when Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba ousted elected President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. But Damiba’s reign was short-lived; he was overthrown by Traoré in September 2022, leaving the young military leader, at just 36 years old, to steer the nation.

Damiba now lives in exile in neighboring Togo, while Traoré consolidates his power in a country grappling with economic and security challenges.

Breaking Ties, Forging New Alliances

Under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso has forged closer ties with fellow Sahel nations Mali and Niger, both led by military juntas following a wave of coups in the region since 2020. Together, the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023, marking a dramatic pivot away from their former colonial ruler, France, and towards Russia.

Relations between Burkina Faso and France have been particularly strained since the 2022 coup. Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré recently declared that cooperation with Russia was “better suited” to the country’s needs. In January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger collectively withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of being manipulated by Paris.

What Lies Ahead?

The dismissal of Tambela raises questions about the direction of Traoré’s regime. Is this a sign of internal discord within the junta, or a strategic move to tighten control amid growing regional and international pressure?

As Burkina Faso navigates this uncertain period, the eyes of the Sahel and the world remain fixed on Traoré’s next steps. Will his regime continue to strengthen its alliances with Mali and Niger, or will internal unrest disrupt the fragile unity of the Alliance of Sahel States?

For now, the nation waits as its military rulers plot a course through the turbulence of their own making.