Burkina Faso’s military-led government has officially disbanded all political parties and annulled the legal framework governing their operations, a decree approved by the country’s council of ministers on Thursday confirmed.
The move comes nearly 16 months after the military seized power in September 2022 and follows a period of suspended political activity as the junta seeks to consolidate control.
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo described the decision as part of a broader effort to “rebuild the state,” citing systemic dysfunction and widespread abuses within Burkina Faso’s multiparty system.
A government review reportedly found that the proliferation of political parties had deepened divisions and weakened social cohesion, undermining effective governance. Prior to the coup, the country had over 100 registered political parties, 15 of which held seats in parliament following the 2020 general election.
Under the new decree, all political parties and formations are formally dissolved. A law repealing statutes on party registration, financing, and the role of opposition leaders will be submitted to the transitional council, according to cabinet records.
The decree also stipulates that all assets belonging to the disbanded parties will be transferred to the state.
Burkina Faso, like neighbouring Mali and Niger, continues to face deadly Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, conflicts that have killed thousands and displaced millions over the past decade.
The junta’s decision marks the latest step in its effort to restructure the political landscape amid ongoing security challenges.