By John Ikani
A 23-man cabinet has been appointed by Burkina Faso military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore with the task of running the country until civilian rule is restored in July 2024.
The new cabinet is composed of five ministers from the former cabinet of Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba – the coup leader overthrown in a subsequent coup in September.
Two military officers occupy the key ministries of defence and security.
The cabinet will be led by Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tembela, a 64-year-old lawyer who was appointed to the post on Friday.
“It’s a government on a war footing that has been formed. It’s not a gala dinners government,” Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tembela said at the inauguration of the cabinet chaired by Traore.
“The main and priority objective is securing the territory,” Tembela said.
“The second will be to do what is needed to improve the quality of life for the Burkina people,” he said.
The third aim will be to “improve the system of governance,” he added.
“Every Burkinabe who calls himself a patriot can contribute,” the prime minister said.
Named premier on Friday, the 64-year-old lawyer heads a 23-member government — including three military officers and five women — to lead the country until its promised return to civilian rule.
