Burkina Faso’s military-led government under Captain Ibrahim Traoré has issued a decree officially dissolving every political party and formation across the nation, effectively eradicating organized multiparty politics in the West African country.
The junta has also repealed all existing laws governing political party operations, financing, and the role of opposition leaders, while mandating the transfer of all party assets directly to the state treasury.
This decisive action was approved yesterday during a cabinet meeting in Ouagadougo, the capital, as part of a broader effort to rebuild the state amid ongoing security challenges and internal divisions.
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo explained the rationale, stating the proliferation of political parties had fueled divisions, weakened social cohesion, and led to widespread abuses and dysfunction in the multiparty system.
He further described the move as essential “to preserve national unity, strengthen the coherence of government action, and pave the way for a reform of the political governance model” while correcting longstanding issues in the previous democratic framework.
Political activities had already been suspended since the September 2022 coup that brought the junta to power, with this dissolution representing the latest escalation in measures critics view as suppressing dissent and civic freedoms.
The decision affects approximately 100 parties, including 15 with parliamentary representation, marking a profound shift toward centralized military control as the transitional authorities prioritize unity against jihadist insurgencies.
