EXPLAINERNews|Armed GroupsWhy has Burkina Faso banned political parties, and what’s next?It’s the latest of several measures that rights groups say are shrinking the civic space in the Sahel nation.
## Regulation: Dissolution of Political Parties in Burkina Faso
Regulation: Dissolution of Political Parties in Burkina Faso
The military government in Burkina Faso has officially dissolved all political parties and seized their assets. This decision was announced through a decree issued on Thursday, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore. The decree eliminates all laws that previously established and regulated political parties, citing non-compliance with guidelines as the reason.
Burkina Faso has been facing ongoing violence from armed groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda. The country is part of a growing list of West and Central African nations that have experienced military coups in recent years. Captain Ibrahim Traore assumed power in September 2022, following a prior coup that overthrew the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore.
Following a December 2023 constitutional change, Traore has been appointed in a supervisory capacity over the judiciary, leading to concerns about the separation of powers. The government has emphasized that the dissolution of political parties is a step towards "rebuilding the state" after identifying issues within the multiparty system.
Before the 2022 military coup, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties. The ruling People's Movement for Progress (MPP) held a majority with 56 of the 127 seats in parliament. However, the civilian government faced significant protests due to growing insecurity from armed groups.
The military government in Burkina Faso has officially dissolved all political parties and seized their assets.
In 2022, Traore's government banned political rallies and postponed elections initially scheduled for 2024 to the year 2029. The country, along with Mali and Niger, has also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Burkina Faso is dealing with the presence of armed groups that have taken control of significant portions of land, particularly in the northern, southern, and western regions. The most active groups include Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), which operate in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Since Traore took power, fatalities due to violence have increased significantly, with recorded deaths tripling compared to the three years before his leadership. The relationship with former colonial power France has deteriorated, and Russian security personnel have been deployed in the region.
The current government has faced allegations of restricting civic freedoms and press activities. Political activities were initially suspended following the coup, and media access has been limited, with restrictions placed on international news outlets.
Reports have emerged of forced conscription of government critics, including journalists and judges, into military service. Several prominent figures remain missing after speaking out against the military government.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
