Burkina Faso Military Govt Dissolves All Political Parties, Takes Control of Party Assets

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties and scrapped the legal framework regulating their operations, according to a decree approved by the nation’s council of ministers on Thursday.

The move, following the suspension of political activities after the September 2022 coup, is the latest effort by the military rulers to consolidate control over the country.

Interior Minister Emile Zerbo said the decision is part of a broader plan to “rebuild the state” after what he described as widespread abuses and dysfunction within the country’s multiparty system.

He explained that a government review found that the proliferation of political parties had fostered divisions and weakened social cohesion.

Prior to the coup, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties, 15 of which were represented in parliament following the 2020 general election. The decree formally disbands all parties and political formations.

According to the cabinet meeting minutes, a law repealing statutes governing party operations, financing, and the opposition leader’s status will be submitted to the transitional council. All assets of the dissolved parties will be transferred to the state.

Burkina Faso, like its neighbours Mali and Niger, has faced persistent challenges from Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have killed thousands and displaced millions over the past decade.