Burkina military retains powerful posts in new cabinet

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Burkina Faso's new interim government will hold its first meeting on Monday, with the military retaining powerful posts three weeks after the army took over in the wake of a popular revolt.

Military strongman Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida will remain prime minister and also take the defence minister post, officials said on Sunday.

The military will likewise have control of the interior ministry, announced Alain Thierry Ouattara, the new government secretary general.

In all, four military members are included in the 26-member cabinet. Interim civilian President Michel Kafando will double up as foreign minister.

Kafando, a former diplomat, took office on Friday to steer the West African nation for a transitional 12-month period after veteran president Blaise Compaore was toppled in a wave of popular unrest last month. The military has pledged to help bring the country back to full civilian rule.

The new government team will hold its first cabinet meeting at 10:00 on Monday, Ouattara said.

The shape of the new government was initially expected to be unveiled on Thursday, and then Saturday, but was repeatedly held up by differences between the rival parties.

One source said the delay was caused by the army's opposition to several ministerial candidates proposed by civil society groups.

Despite the civilian shift with Kafando becoming president, the military's control of the security services means army officers will remain a powerful political force.