Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has ordered the immediate dissolution of all political parties in the country, marking a major escalation in its consolidation of power. The decision was announced through a decree issued on Thursday, which also bans all internal and public political activities. The move effectively ends the country’s multi-party political system.

According to the decree, the military authorities accused political parties of promoting division and abuse among citizens. It stated that the proliferation of political groups had weakened the social fabric and undermined national cohesion. A bill formalising the decision will be presented to the transitional legislative council to repeal laws governing party registration, financing, and the role of the opposition leader.

Under the proposed legislation, all assets and properties belonging to the dissolved political parties will be transferred to the state. Interior Minister Émile Zerbo defended the move, describing it as a necessary step to “rebuild the state.” He blamed corruption, institutional dysfunction, and systemic injustice for obstructing Burkina Faso’s development.

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Prior to the military coup in 2022, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in Parliament following the 2020 elections. Since taking power in September 2022, the junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré has steadily restricted political freedoms. While limited internal party activities were initially allowed, all political operations have now been completely prohibited.

Captain Traoré assumed power after overthrowing Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who himself had seized control in a coup earlier in January 2022. Damiba was extradited from Togo earlier this month and is facing allegations of plotting a coup against the current regime from exile.

The decision comes amid deepening political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Burkina Faso. The country continues to struggle with escalating jihadist violence, mass internal displacement affecting over two million people, widespread food insecurity, and the collapse of basic services such as healthcare and education. These challenges, compounded by climate change, repeated coups, and chronic underfunding of humanitarian aid, have made Burkina Faso’s crisis one of the most neglected in the world.

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