The military government of Burkina Faso has officially moved to dissolve every political party in the country. This follows a period of suspension that began when the military seized control in 2022.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, who took power in a September 2022 coup, has steadily tightened control over political activity. While parties were previously prohibited from public gatherings, they were still permitted to function internally. However, this new decree effectively ends their legal existence entirely.
The Government’s Justification for the Ban
In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the presidency argued that the sheer number of political organizations was detrimental to the nation. Specifically, the administration claims that the “proliferation” of these groups fueled social division and weakened national stability.
The government aims to achieve three primary goals:
- Preserve National Unity: By removing partisan divisions that polarize the public.
- Reform Governance: Paving the way for a completely new political structure.
- Streamline Action: Strengthening the coherence and speed of the current junta’s policies.
Legal and Financial Consequences of the Decree
Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo confirmed that a draft law for the dissolution will be sent to the Transitional Legislative Assembly immediately.
The key impacts of this new law include:
- Mass Dissolution: Approximately 100 political parties will be phased out across the country.
- Parliamentary Shift: 15 of these parties currently hold representatives in the assembly, whose futures are now uncertain.
- Asset Seizure: All financial holdings and physical properties belonging to these parties will be transferred to the state.
The Return and Extradition of Paul-Henri Damiba
This announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions involving the former junta leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Damiba ruled for only nine months before Captain Traore ousted him in late 2022. Since then, he had been living in exile in Togo.
Throughout his exile, the current government frequently accused him of orchestrating assassination attempts and coup plots. Following his extradition from Togo earlier this month, Damiba is now back in Burkina Faso. His return further consolidates Traore’s grip on the internal security situation and silences a major rival.
