Burkina Faso’s Military Government Dissolves All Political Parties

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Burkina Faso's military-led government has dissolved all political parties and political formations in the country. The decision came through a decree approved by the council of ministers on Thursday.

Interior Minister Emile Zerbo announced the move. He explained that it forms part of a wider effort to rebuild the state. Authorities identified widespread abuses and dysfunction in the multiparty system. A review showed that the large number of political parties had fueled divisions and weakened social cohesion.

The decree officially disbands every political party and similar group. Political activities had already been suspended nationwide following the military's rise to power. The government will submit a law to the transitional council to repeal statutes on party financing and the role of the opposition leader.

All assets belonging to the dissolved parties will now transfer to the state.

This action marks a significant step in consolidating control under military rule. Captain Ibrahim Traore leads the junta after seizing power in September 2022. Before the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties. Fifteen held seats in parliament after the 2020 general election.

The decision aligns Burkina Faso with neighboring Sahel countries like Mali and Niger. Those nations have taken comparable measures amid persistent security challenges. Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have killed thousands and displaced millions across the region over the past decade.

The junta continues to prioritize security concerns while reshaping the political landscape. This latest decree represents an escalation in efforts to address what the government views as obstacles to national unity and effective governance.