Burkina Faso junta bans all political parties as military tightens grip

Burkina Faso junta bans all political parties as military tightens grip

Burkina Faso’s military rulers have banned all political parties, deepening concerns about the country’s democratic future nearly four years after the army seized power.

The decision, announced by interior minister Emile Zerbo, ends all political party activities and formally dissolves groups that had already been suspended since the 2022 coup. It marks the strongest move yet by the junta to consolidate control under Ibrahim Traoré.

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Zerbo said the ban was necessary to overhaul the political system, arguing that multiparty politics had failed the country.

“The multiparty system has led to numerous abuses,” he said. “Instead of strengthening national unity, it has promoted division among citizens and weakened the social fabric.”

Under the new decree, political parties are no longer allowed to operate in any form. Their assets will be seized and transferred to the state, according to the interior minister, who added that a draft law formalising the decision would be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly “as soon as possible”.

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Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties before the coup, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general election, according to Reuters.

Traoré came to power in September 2022 after overthrowing Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself had seized power just nine months earlier. The rapid succession of coups reflected growing frustration within the military over the government’s handling of a violent Islamist insurgency.

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Traoré initially promised to return the country to civilian rule by 1 July 2024. However, two months before the deadline, the junta announced it would remain in power for another five years, drawing criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.

The 37-year-old leader has faced accusations of silencing dissent and shrinking civic space. Yet he has also gained significant popularity across parts of Africa for his strong pan-African stance and outspoken criticism of Western influence in the region.

Burkina Faso is one of several West African states to have experienced military takeovers in recent years, alongside Mali, Niger, and Guinea. The wave of coups has raised alarm among regional leaders and international partners about long-term stability and democratic backsliding in the region.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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