Burkina Faso Bans Political Parties Amid Uncertainty Over Future

Burkina Faso’s Military Government Dissolves Political Parties, Seizes Assets

In a decree issued on Thursday, the government of Captain Ibrahim Traore has formally dissolved all registered political parties in Burkina Faso. The move comes after years of suspension and is seen as a major blow to democracy in the West African nation.

The government cited non-compliance with guidelines as the reason for dissolving the parties. According to the Interior Minister, Emile Zerbo, the proliferation of political parties has led to excesses, fostering division among citizens and weakening social cohesion in the country.

Traore’s government has been criticized by rights groups and opposition politicians for its authoritarian approach. Despite this, Traore has built an online following among pan-Africanists, with many likening him to the late Burkinabe revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara.

The decision to ban political parties does not sit well with analysts, who note that it will limit division of powers and autonomy across the civic and political space. A recent decree appointing Traore in a supervisory capacity in the judiciary has further consolidated government control over the judiciary.

Traore seized power in September 2022, following an earlier military coup that had overthrown the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore. The country is struggling with violence from armed groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda.

The government claims that the existing political parties were not following the codes which established them. However, critics argue that the move is a major blow to democracy in Burkina Faso.

Source: Al Jazeera