Burkina Faso Junta Formally Dissolves All Political Parties

Burkina Faso Junta Formally Dissolves All Political Parties

Burkina Faso’s military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, officially dissolved all political parties and repealed the laws governing their operations. While political activities had been suspended since the 2022 coup, this new decree formally terminates the existence of these organizations.

This move represents a major consolidation of power by the military regime.

The government justified the ban by claiming that the large number of political parties caused national instability and social division. Interior Minister Emile Zerbo stated that the multi-party system led to “excesses” that weakened the country’s fabric.

He argued the dissolution is necessary for a total “re-founding of the state” and to ensure national unity.

Under the new decree, all assets and properties belonging to the now-defunct political parties will be transferred to the state. Draft laws to formalize this transition are being sent to the military-appointed assembly for immediate approval.

There is currently no timeline or plan for when organized political opposition might be allowed to return.

This decision follows the junta’s earlier move to dissolve the electoral commission and postpone promised elections.

The military government has extended its rule for at least another five years, citing the ongoing security crisis as the reason. They maintain that structural reforms must be completed before any transition to civilian leadership can be considered.

International observers and human rights groups have expressed deep concern over the total elimination of democratic space in the country. While Traoré maintains some local support for his anti-Western stance, critics see this as the final blow to political pluralism.

Burkina Faso now joins several neighboring Sahelian nations in moving toward indefinite military rule.