Burkina Faso’s Trade minister steps down amid charges of fraud, embezzlement

Donatien Nagalo, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Industrial development, Trade, Crafts and Small and Medium-sized enterprises, stepped down Tuesday amid growing protests against his appointment by traders who accuse him of fraud and embezzlement, Anadolu news agency reports.
“I Sincerely and honestly recognize that I am an honest and honest Burkinabe citizen, dedicated and committed to contribute to the building of our common nation; but in view of the social, economic and security crisis, I feel challenged that the only way to serve one’s nation is to rise to the occasion and to contribute in a humble, honest and civic way to social cohesion,” Nagolo told media.
“That is why, he added, I thought it useful to give up my position to give the government of Prime Minister Appolinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, all the chances to work in a serene and peaceful climate. I would like to wish full success to the future minister in charge of trade and reassure him of our support to achieve the expected results,” he added.
“I also invite all merchants to renounce these practices that are contrary to the values that our nation embodies.”
Nagalo was appointed to head the department on October 25 but the appointment met fears of opposition from traders. Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyélem however on October 30 indicated that all cabinet members were vetted and no one is subject to charges.
“We paid a lot of attention, we examined all the files, investigations were made, and it turns out that there was nothing to blame a minister,” he insisted.
Aside from Nagolo, Yacouba Dié, Minister of Urban Planning, Land Affairs and Housing is under criticism. Critics on social media dispute his appointment over the poor implementation of a project prior to entering the government.