Burkina Faso’s president named economist Paul Kaba Thieba as prime minister. Thieba, who has little political experience, is charged with forming President Roch Marc Kabore’s government as the country continues with a democratic transition after 27 years under leader Blaise Compaore, who was overthrown in October 2014. Thieba, 56, worked for many years as an economist for the West African central bank, BCEAO, in Ivory Coast.

Landlocked Burkina Faso produces cotton and gold but remains impoverished. Its economy has slowed due to lower global commodity prices and reduced investment during the democratic transition that began after Compaore fell. Kabore has said the government needs to improve access to water, healthcare and education. Recently Kabore has sworn in as the first new leader in almost three decades following his election in November.

Did You Know???

• Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa around 274,200 square kilometres in size.
• Its capital is Ouagadougou.
• In September 2015, the Regiment of Presidential Security (RSP) seized the country’s president and prime minister, and declared the National Council for Democracy the new national government.
• Burkina Faso is a member of the African Union, Community of Sahel-Saharan States, La Francophonie, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Community of West African States, and United Nations.