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Burkina Faso Dissolves More than 100 NGOs and Civil Society Groups
Authorities banned 118 associations and NGOs, including many human-rights groups, as the military government tightens controls on civil society.
- On Wednesday, Burkina Faso's Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility announced the dissolution of 118 associations, claiming the move was "in accordance with current legal provisions."
- The military government led by Ibrahim Traore has intensified controls since the 2022 coup, citing administrative compliance with a July 2025 law to justify restricting civil society organizations.
- Previously, the government revoked authorization for 21 rights groups and suspended 10 others; authorities also dissolved all political parties in January following years of suspension.
- Amnesty International called the move a "flagrant attack" on rights, with senior researcher Ousmane Diallo stating on Thursday that the dissolution violates the constitution and international obligations.
- Amid the country's ongoing battle against groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, Traore told citizens earlier this month they must "forget about" democracy, intensifying restrictions on civil society.
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Junta leader Ibrahim Traoré has been silencing all dissenting voices since he came to power in 2022. His government army, together with civilian militias, is engaged in a bloody battle with an Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist movement.
Burkina Faso junta dissolves dozens of civil society groups
Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the latest dissolutions are part of efforts to enforce that law. He urged affected groups to comply with the regulations, warning that “any offender faces the penalties provided for under current regulations.”
Burkina Faso: Dissolution of more than a hundred NGOs and associations shows intensifying crackdown on civil society
Reacting to the announcement of the dissolution of 118 NGOs and associations in Burkina Faso, Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on Sahel at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, said: “We are alarmed and deeply concerned by this flagrant attack on the right to freedom of association. Dissolving NGOs and associations is at odds with the Constitution of Burkina Faso, which guarantees freedom of association and union.…
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