Burkina Faso military junta bans all political parties, claiming they cause divisions

OUAGADOUGOU – Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has ordered the dissolution of all political parties, whose activities had already been suspended since the army took power in 2022.

The decision is likely to fuel further criticism of junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has faced accusations of clamping down on opposition voices, and is widely viewed as another step toward consolidating military control.

Interior Minister Emile Zerbo said the measure was aimed at “rebuilding the state,” claiming the country’s multiparty system had been plagued by “numerous abuses” that fostered division and eroded social cohesion.

Political parties had previously been prohibited from organising public events, but the new decree goes further by banning all political activity and effectively dismantling party structures.

Zerbo said the assets of the dissolved parties would be taken over by the state, with draft legislation to be presented to the Transitional Legislative Assembly in the coming days.

Before the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, 15 of which held seats in parliament following the 2020 elections, according to Reuters.

Traoré rose to power after overthrowing Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had ruled for less than a year. Although the junta initially promised a return to civilian rule by July 2024, it later extended the transition period by five years.

While often described as authoritarian, the 37-year-old leader has attracted significant support across Africa for his pan-Africanist rhetoric and outspoken criticism of Western influence.

Burkina Faso is among several West African countries to have experienced military takeovers in recent years, heightening concerns about political stability in the region.