Burkina Faso’s military-led government issued a decree dissolving all political parties that had previously been suspended following coups, the council of ministers confirmed on Thursday. This action occurs as the West African nation contends with escalating insurgencies linked to transnational militant groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL.
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo announced the decision, framing it as a necessary step to "rebuild the state" following alleged widespread abuses inherent in the former multiparty structure. A government review concluded that the proliferation of political entities had exacerbated internal divisions and eroded social cohesion, according to state reporting.
The decree specifically dismantles all political parties and formations, mandating the immediate transfer of their accumulated assets to the state treasury. Prior to the 2020 coup, the country hosted more than 100 registered political parties, with fifteen securing parliamentary representation following the general election that year.
Captain Ibrahim Traore currently heads the transitional government, having seized power in a September 2022 coup, eight months after an earlier military action ousted elected President Roch Marc Kabore. The ruling junta has progressively distanced itself from former colonial power France, instead seeking increased security cooperation with Russia.
This domestic political consolidation follows other measures restricting civil society and the press. In 2024, the administration ordered telecommunication providers to block access to digital platforms used by entities such as the BBC, Voice of America, and Human Rights Watch.
Geopolitically, Burkina Faso has deepened ties with neighboring military governments in Mali and Niger. Together, these nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to enhance mutual economic and military support against regional security threats.
This move further centralizes authority under the military leadership, continuing a trend seen across the Sahel region where elected governments have been replaced by juntas in recent years. The dissolution eliminates any organized political opposition structure within the country’s current governance framework.
