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Junta dissolves political parties in sweeping decree
Burkina Faso's military government has outlawed all political parties, formalizing a suspension in place since the 2022 coup. The move deepens concerns over shrinking civic space under junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Interior Minister defends ban as state rebuilding
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo announced the decree on Friday, framing it as a step to "rebuild the state" after years of alleged abuses under multiparty rule. Zerbo accused the system of "promoting division" and "weakening social cohesion."
Previously, parties were barred from public gatherings. The new order halts all operations and transfers their assets to state control. Zerbo said a draft law would soon go to the Transitional Legislative Assembly.
Over 100 parties dissolved, sparking mixed reactions
Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered parties before the 2022 coup, with 15 holding parliamentary seats after the 2020 election. Civil society groups condemned the ban, with one anonymous member telling the BBC: "This will not help the country move forward."
"The regime has been pushing the idea that democracy is useless or harmful for Burkina. [Traoré] may be settling in for the long run, but given the country's history, no leader is ever fully secure. Another coup is never far from the horizon."
Social media reactions were divided. A Traoré supporter on X argued: "A country like Burkina Faso having over 100 political parties creates chaos. This fragmentation led to clientelism and corruption, with parties acting like business ventures."
Junta extends rule amid regional trend
Traoré seized power in September 2022, ousting Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had ruled for just nine months. Initially pledging to restore civilian rule by July 2024, the junta later extended its mandate for five more years.
Despite his authoritarian reputation, Traoré has cultivated pan-Africanist support and criticized Western influence. Burkina Faso joins a regional pattern: Guinea's coup leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, recently won a landslide election after dissolving political parties.
Context
The ban follows years of instability, with jihadist violence displacing over 2 million people. Analysts warn the move could further alienate international partners, including former colonial power France, which has reduced its military presence amid tensions.
