The delayed announcement of Burkina Faso’s interim government ministers was expected yesterday, with the nation waiting to see the extent of military influence under civilian Interim President Michel Kafando.
Kafando issued a statement on Saturday that the planned first meetings of the Cabinet and the National Transitional Council, or parliament, were “delayed and will take place at a date to be announced.”
A source familiar with the military’s position in the talks said the delay was caused by military opposition to several candidates proposed by civil society groups.
Photo: AFP
Burkinabe Army Lieutenant Colonel and Interim Prime Minister Isaac Zida, who has run the nation since the ouster of former president Blaise Compaore three weeks ago, said on Wednesday last week that the new government would be announced within 72 hours.
Earlier on Saturday, an officer close to Zida said the list of proposed ministers would be delivered to Kafando on Saturday and: “If he agrees, we will publish the government this evening.”
The delay in announcing the new government line-up was due to “organization reasons,” an officer close to Zida told reporters later, adding that the announcement of the interim Cabinet should happen the following day.
Photo: AFP
Zida formally handed power to Kafando, a 72-year-old former foreign minister and career diplomat, in a ceremony attended by six African heads of state on Friday.
However, despite that civilian shift, expectations were that the military would retain a heavy say in affairs when the government is finally announced.
An earlier draft Cabinet list prepared by the military and seen by reporters showed that the army wanted all the most important positions in the 25-member government, including defense, internal security and mining.
Civilians chosen by the military were also to get the foreign, finance, justice and budget posts, according to the document.
If this scenario played out, that would leave Kafando free to name minor ministers, such as industry and communications.
Some civil society representatives have voiced concern over Zida’s appointment, while some residents of Ouagadougou called it a betrayal of their revolution.
Kafando and Zida are barred from standing in elections set to be held in November next year under the transition deal.
However, a diplomat — asking not to be named — said: “Make no mistake, it’s [Zida] who will lead the country.”
Zida, 49, was appointed interim prime minister by Kafando on Wednesday, a day after the former UN ambassador was sworn in as interim leader.
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