Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties, citing their role in deepening divisions and weakening social cohesion.
According to a government decree approved on Thursday, the laws governing political parties have been scrapped, with party assets ordered to be transferred to the state. Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo said authorities found that political parties had strayed from their founding principles, adding that their proliferation had fueled “excesses” and social fragmentation.
He further stated that draft laws to regulate the formation of future political parties and political groups will be submitted to the legislature “as soon as possible.”
Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup, the government has implemented sweeping reforms, including suspending party activities, dissolving the independent electoral commission, and postponing elections meant to restore civilian rule.