Burkina Faso: Slight cabinet reshuffle after 2 ministers’ resignation under public pressure

Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso replaced Thursday Minister of Industrial Development, Trade, Handicrafts and Small and Medium Enterprises, Donatien Nagalo and Minister of Urban Planning, Land Affairs and Housing, Yacouba Dié, both wanted out of his cabinet.

In a decree announcing the reshuffle, the Premier replaced Nagalo with Serge Gnaniodem Poda. The decision also announced the replacement of Die by Mikaïlou Sidibé.

Nagalo tendered in his resignation Tuesday following weeks of public demonstration by traders who rejected his appointment over alleged accusation of fraud and misappropriation of funds.

Die also came under fire on social media following his appointment. Critics slammed Kyelem de Tambela for picking Die though he poorly executed a project prior to his nomination.

Kyelem de Tambela on October 25 unveiled a 23-member cabinet lineup, several weeks after incumbent leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power on September 30 after deposing lieutenant-colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

The Prime Minister following the announcement of the government said 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.