Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties and political groups, repealing the laws that previously regulated their activities.
The decision was announced in a statement from the presidency’s communications directorate after junta leader Ibrahim Traoré chaired a meeting of the council of ministers.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Émile Zerbo, described the move as deliberate and far-reaching, saying it forms part of a broader effort to “re-found the state.”
According to the presidency, the large number of political parties in the country had contributed to political instability, fuelled divisions among citizens, and weakened social cohesion.
The government said the dissolution is intended to safeguard national unity, strengthen the coherence of state action, and pave the way for an extensive reform of political governance.
Under the decree, all assets belonging to the dissolved political parties will be transferred to the state. Zerbo added that draft laws related to the decision will be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly as soon as possible.
Before the military takeover, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general election.
After Traoré seized power in a coup in September 2022, political parties were required to suspend their activities. At the same council of ministers meeting, the government also adopted a national development roadmap known as the “Reliance Plan.”
The plan, valued at FCFA 36 trillion (approximately $65 billion), is expected to run from 2026 to 2030.
