Burkina Faso dissolves political parties

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties and ordered their assets transferred to the state under a decree adopted by the authorities.

The decision was taken on 29 January 2026 in Ouagadougou during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Head of State Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Interior Minister Émile Zerbo said the decision is part of efforts to “rebuild the state,” describing the previous multiparty system as one marked by “abuses” and “dysfunction.”

He said a government review found that the multiplication of political parties had “fuelled divisions” and weakened social cohesion.

Before the 2022 coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered parties, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 election.

Government spokesperson Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo said several reports were reviewed before the decision was approved.

A separate bill repealing the legal framework governing party operations, party financing and the status of the opposition leader was also adopted and will be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly.

The decree disbands all political formations, and all party assets will pass to the state. Authorities said the measure is aimed at preserving national unity and supporting the transition’s political restructuring.

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The move follows the suspension of political activities after the military seized power in September 2022.

The country continues to face security pressures from Islamist insurgencies that have killed thousands and displaced millions over the past decade.

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