The West African nation of Burkina Faso has a new prime minister; however, he is not the person favored by the international community.

Interim President Michel Kafando chose Lt. Col. Isaac Yacouba Zida to head the nation's government, casting a veil of doubt on Burkina Faso's transition to democracy.

The 49-year-old Zida said his appointment was a "mark of confidence" on the nation's military, according to The Associated Press. He pledged to hold elections in 2015, adding that his government's role was to "hold free, fair and transparent, and equitable elections as well as to undertake important reforms for the future of the country."

President Kafando, who ascended to power days before, appointed Zida. The international community welcomed Kafando, a career politician and diplomat to the U.N, according to The New York Times. Kafando was chosen following international pressure on Zida, who had proclaimed himself the leader after the government's overthrow. A new committee was formed, which chose Kafando.

Both the United Nations and the United States praised Kafando's appointment, proclaiming it a step towards civilian rule and democracy.

"We urge Burkina Faso's armed forces to continue their primary mission to safeguard the territorial integrity of Burkina Faso and the security of its citizens. We reiterate that the role of the civilian transitional government is to ensure effective preparation for national elections in November 2015, as called for by the charter," the U.S. State Department said.

However, the appointment of Ziga puts into question the military's role in the future of the country. When he assumed the premiership, Zida said he and Kafondo would work together to create a 25-member government, which would rule until the elections, according to Reuters.

"This government of 25 will have the huge task of creating the basis for an inclusive transition with the primary task of organizing free, fair and transparent elections as well as important reforms for the future of our country," Zida told a press conference in the capital.

The international community opposed Zida's appointment but the local political leaders support his rule.

The State Department reiterated its previous message to Burkina Faso's military during a press briefing on Wednesday, asking them to return to their primary mission.

Press Office director Jeff Rathke also said the interim government's role was to establish elections for a new government.