Burkina Faso’s Transitional Authorities Dissolves All Political Parties

Burkina Faso’s transitional government on Thursday dissolved all political parties and scrapped the legal framework governing their operations.

The decree, approved by the Council of Ministers and chaired by transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, also mandates that the assets of the dissolved parties be transferred to the state.

The decision marks the latest move by the transitional authorities to tighten control following the suspension of political activities after the 2021 military coup.

Speaking on the development, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Émile Zerbo, said the measure forms part of a broader effort to “rebuild the state” after what he described as widespread abuses and dysfunction within the country’s multiparty system.

He added that a government review found that the proliferation of political parties had fuelled divisions and weakened social cohesion.

Prior to the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general elections.

According to the decision taken after the cabinet meeting, the decree disbands all political parties and political formations. A bill repealing the laws governing political parties, party financing, and the status of the opposition leader will be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for consideration.