Ibrahim Traore’s military-led government has issued a decree dissolving all political parties in Burkina Faso.
This marks the suspension of all activities of political parties.
The decision was approved on Thursday by the country’s Council of Ministers.
This has deepened the junta’s crackdown on dissent as it battles insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
Government Says Move Is to “Rebuild the State”
Burkina Faso’s Interior Minister, Emile Zerbo, said the dissolution of political parties is part of a broader effort to “rebuild the state.”
According to Zerbo, a government review found that the rapid increase in political parties had weakened social cohesion and fuelled divisions across the country.
Furthermore, he said the multiparty system had become dysfunctional, citing alleged abuses and ineffective political structures.
All Political Parties Dissolved, Assets Taken Over
Also, under the decree, all political parties and political formations are officially dissolved.
The government will take control of all assets belonging to the affected parties.
Before the coups, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties. Fifteen of them were represented in parliament following the 2020 general election.
Military Rule Under Captain Ibrahim Traoré
In addition, Burkina Faso is currently led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in September 2022.
His takeover came just eight months after an earlier military coup that removed democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré.
Since assuming power, Traoré’s government has tightened control over political space and civil society.
Junta Cuts Ties With France, Turns to Russia
The military-led government has severed ties with former colonial power France and strengthened relations with Russia.
It seeks alternative security support to fight insurgent groups.
Media Restrictions and Crackdown on Dissent
As part of its crackdown on dissent, the government in 2024 ordered internet service providers to block access to digital platforms belonging to the BBC, Voice of America, and Human Rights Watch.
The move drew criticism from press freedom and human rights groups.
Burkina Faso Joins Alliance of Sahel States
Turning away from Western allies, Burkina Faso has joined Mali and Niger, both also under military rule, to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The alliance aims to strengthen regional economic cooperation and military coordination amid growing security challenges in the Sahel.
The military-led government has severed ties with former colonial power France and strengthened relations with Russia, seeking alternative security support to fight insurgent groups.
