Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves All Political Parties, Seizes Assets
Burkina Faso’s military junta has issued a sweeping decree dissolving all political parties and formations in the country, effectively dismantling the existing political structure as part of what it calls a necessary step to “re-found the state.”
The dramatic announcement was made on Thursday by the presidency’s communications directorate following a council of ministers meeting presided over by the junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore.
Justifying the dissolution, the military government argued that the proliferation of political parties had led to social fragmentation.
A statement from the presidency claimed that political organizations had caused “drifting, favouring the division of citizens and weakening the social fabric.”
The administration stated that the measure is designed to preserve national unity, ensure the coherence of governmental action, and pave the way for a complete reform of political governance in the West African nation.
Émile Zerbo, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, described the move as a “great and important decision” that aligns with the junta’s vision for a new state architecture. “The draft laws will be passed to the Transitional Legislative Assembly as soon as possible,” Zerbo added.
Under the newly adopted decree, the assets and property of the dissolved parties are to be confiscated and handed over to the state. This move effectively strips the political opposition of its resources and infrastructure.
Before the military takeover, Burkina Faso had a vibrant, albeit crowded, political landscape with more than 100 registered political parties. Following the general election in 2020, 15 of these parties held seats in parliament.
However, political activities had already been suspended shortly after Captain Traore seized power in a coup in September 2022.
Alongside the political ban, the council of ministers also adopted a massive state development roadmap dubbed the “Reliance Plan.”
The ambitious plan, valued at approximately FCFA 36 trillion (about $65 billion), outlines the country’s development strategy for the period spanning 2026 to 2030.
Related to this topic:
