Burkina Faso Appoints Military Officer as Prime Minister

TEMPO.CO, Ouagadougou - The transitional government in Burkina Faso have appointed army officer Yacouba Isaac Zida, as transitional prime minister on Thursday, November 20, 2014. The appointment showed that the military is still in power despite protests to establish a civilian government in the country.

"The transitional president appointed Yacouba Isaac Zida as prime minister," said Allan Quattara, Assistant Secretary General of the Government.

A senior official said that politician and military leaders have reached an agreement on the appointment of Zida. "In my understanding, we are handing over the president's power over to a civilian," said Ouattara, in response to a question.

The military appointed Zida to lead Burkina Faso after the ousting of President Blaise Compaore. Not long after taking power, the international community urged the military to hand over power to a civilian or face heavy economic sanctions. It is still unclear whether the African Union will support Zida's appointment.

Zida's appointment as prime minister was done a day after the appointment of Michel Kafando as interim president. The transitional government is responsible to hold an election by next year at the latest.

AL JAZEERA | BBC | CNA | NATALIA SANTI