Burkina Fasos Military Government Dissolves All Political Parties Immediately

Burkina Faso Government Dissolves All Political Parties Amid Crackdown on Dissent

A decree issued by Burkina Faso’s council of ministers has dissolved all registered political parties, effective immediately. The decision was made as part of a broader effort to “rebuild the state” following allegations of widespread abuses and dysfunction in the country’s multiparty system.

According to Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, the multiplication of political parties had contributed to divisions and weakened social cohesion. The decree disbands all political parties and transfers their assets to the state.

Prior to the coup in September 2022, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 general election. Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in the coup, following an earlier military takeover that ousted democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore in 2021.

The government has been cracking down on dissenting voices as it struggles to contain insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). In 2024, internet service providers were ordered to suspend access to the websites and digital platforms of several international organizations, including the BBC, Voice of America, and Human Rights Watch.

Burkina Faso has also formed alliances with neighboring countries, including Mali and Niger, which are also ruled by military governments. The country joined forces with these nations in forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen economic and military cooperation.

Source: Al Jazeera