Junta tightens grip on political life
Burkina Faso’s military rulers have announced a ban on all political parties, more than two years after seizing power in a coup. Political party activities had already been suspended since the military takeover in 2022, but the new decree formally dissolves them altogether.
The decision is the latest move by junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, who has faced growing criticism for suppressing dissent and consolidating power.
Government says move aims to “rebuild the state”
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo said the ban forms part of efforts to “rebuild the state”, arguing that Burkina Faso’s multiparty system had been marked by “numerous abuses”.
According to Zerbo, political parties had been “promoting division among citizens and weakening the social fabric”. While parties were previously barred from holding public gatherings, the new measure prevents them from operating entirely.
Party assets to be transferred to the state
Under the decree, all assets belonging to dissolved political parties will be transferred to the state. Zerbo said a draft law formalising the decision would be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly “as soon as possible”.
Before the 2022 coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties. Fifteen were represented in parliament following the 2020 general election, according to Reuters.
A series of coups and delayed elections
Traoré came to power in 2022 after ousting Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself had ruled for just nine months following an earlier coup.
The junta initially pledged to restore civilian rule by 1 July 2024. However, two months before that deadline, authorities announced an extension of military rule for a further five years, pushing any return to democratic governance into the future.
Popular support despite authoritarian rule
Despite his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old Traoré has gained significant support both domestically and across Africa. He is widely followed for his pan-Africanist rhetoric and outspoken criticism of Western influence in the region.
Burkina Faso is one of several West African countries to have experienced military coups in recent years, fuelling wider concerns over democratic backsliding and regional stability.
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