Photo of Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo

Burkina Faso has a new Prime Minister, after the December 6, 2024, ousting by junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traoré, of Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela. The following day, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo was appointed Prime Minister by the same Captain Traore. Ouédraogo, a journalist by profession, previously served as editor-in-chief and director of Burkina Faso’s public television. This is not Ouedraogo’s first appearance in a junta-controlled administration, as he was appointed Minister of Communication and government spokesperson following Traoré’s coup in September 2022. He survived three government reshuffles, holding the same position, before he was elevated to Minister of State.

Burkina Faso is experiencing severe instability, facing persistent attacks from jihadist groups that have displaced nearly two million people. Since 2015, at least 26,000 people were killed in the current conflict, both civilian and military, with more than half of these losses occurring since Traoré took over power in a 2022 coup.

While no official explanation has been provided as to why Traore dismissed the government, it is likely part of an effort to further tighten his grip on power by replacing key officials with individuals, like Ouédraogo, who he considers more loyal or aligned with his vision. The dismissal also reflects dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of critical issues, from day-to-day public affairs to security. There is also the possibility of internal power struggles, stemming from internal disagreements or conflicts within the ruling junta.