PM and cabinet resign

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Paul Thieba resigned from office along with his entire cabinet at the weekend. No reason was given for the move, which was announced in a televised statement by President Roch Kabore. BBC News reports that Thieba, a former economist, had held the position since January 2016. His government has faced growing pressure over a rise in the number of kidnappings and jihadist attacks. Recent high-profile disappearances of foreign nationals have led to direct calls for his resignation, as well as that of his Defence and Security Ministers. In his statement, Kabore said he hoped to form a new government soon.