Burkina Faso Junta Proclaims Total Ban on Political Parties

Sat Jan 31 2026 13:53:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a striking move, Burkina Faso's military junta has officially prohibited all political parties, a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent following their power seizure in 2022.

Burkina Faso's military government has enforced a blanket ban on all political parties, following a history of curtailing political freedoms since the coup of 2022. Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, accused of authoritarianism, claims the ban is essential for state rebuilding and unifying the fabric of the nation. Previously allowed limited activities are now restricted entirely, with state seizure of all party assets forthcoming.

Burkina Faso's junta has announced a ban on all political parties, whose activities have been suspended since the military seized power in 2022.

Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been criticised for suppressing dissent and the move will be seen as the latest step to tighten control.

According to Burkina Faso's Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, the ban is part of plans to rebuild the state after what he said were numerous abuses in the country's multiparty system.

Zerbo stated that the system had been promoting division among citizens and weakening the social fabric.

Previously, parties could not hold public gatherings; now they are entirely prohibited from operating. All assets of the dissolved parties will be transferred to the state, and a draft law related to this ban will soon be presented to the Transitional Legislative Assembly.

The nation had more than 100 registered political parties before the coup, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 general election.

Traoré's coup in 2022 ousted the former leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had been in power for just nine months.

Despite pledging to restore civilian governance by July 1, 2024, Traoré's junta announced in August that it would extend military rule for an additional five years.

Despite his growing authoritarian reputation, Traoré has garnered significant support for his pan-Africanist vision and critique of foreign influence. Burkina Faso is among several West African nations that have faced similar coups, raising concerns over regional stability.