Niger Announces Government Reshuffle with New Ministerial AppointmentsBurkinabè Court of Auditors Submits 2022 Report Amid National Support for Transitional Authority

NIAMEY — In a significant reshuffle within the Nigerien government, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state of Niger and president of the National Council for the Protection of the Homeland (CNSP), has introduced two new ministers to his cabinet as part of a technical reorganization, the Niger Press Agency (ANP) reported on Monday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Oil, Mines, and Energy, previously a single portfolio, has been divided into three separate departments, reflecting a strategic restructuring within the government. Moustapha Mahaman Barké Bako, who led the original ministry, will continue to oversee the Oil department. Commissioner Colonel Ousmane Abarchi has been appointed as the new Minister of Mines, marking his entry into the government. Additionally, Professor Haoua Amadou joins the cabinet to take charge of the Energy department, signaling further expansion and specialization within the executive branch. This reshuffle comes as part of the first government formation of the current Transition in Niger, which initially saw 21 members appointed on August 9, 2023.

OUAGADOUGOU — In Burkina Faso, the Court of Auditors’ 2022 public report was officially presented to the Head of State, while a significant meeting between Captain Ibrahim Traoré and citizen monitoring groups captured the attention of the nation, as reported by local media outlets on Monday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the national coordination of the patriotic citizens’ watch held a rally on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Ouaga 2000 sports palace to express their backing for the transitional authorities. The event was marked by representatives from the country’s 13 regions, who conveyed their local grievances and extended their congratulations to the transitional leaders.

Le Pays, a private daily, highlighted the criticisms directed at imperialists and their local supporters, referring to them as “parlor slaves” during the meeting. This sentiment was echoed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of the Burkinabe Transition, who asserted a strong stance against treason and imperialism.

Furthermore, Le Pays reported on the submission of the Court of Auditors’ 2022 public report to Captain Traoré on Friday. The document, which outlines significant irregularities in public financial management, was received with an expectation for meaningful reform. Latin Poda, the first president of the Court of Auditors, expressed hope that the findings would prompt action from public decision-makers towards improved financial governance.

These developments reflect a critical moment in Burkina Faso’s political and social landscape, as the nation navigates through its transitional period with a focus on accountability and public support for its leaders.