January 30, (THEWILL) — Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties in the country, repealing existing laws governing their formation and operation, in a move widely seen as a significant setback for democratic governance.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the presidency’s communications directorate, following a meeting of the Council of Ministers presided over by junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
According to the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Émile Zerbo, the dissolution of political parties constitutes a “great and important decision” anchored on the military authorities’ agenda of what he described as the “re-founding of the state”.
The presidency explained that the proliferation of political parties had contributed to political drift, deepened divisions among citizens, and weakened the country’s social fabric, thereby undermining national cohesion.
It stated that the measure is intended to preserve national unity, strengthen the coherence of government action, and pave the way for far-reaching reforms in political governance during the ongoing transition.
Zerbo further disclosed that draft laws formalising the decision would be transmitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for consideration and passage in the coming days.
Political parties in Burkina Faso had already been largely inactive since Captain Traoré seized power in a military coup in 2022, which led to the suspension of constitutional rule and democratic institutions.
Before the takeover, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, with at least 15 securing representation in parliament following the 2020 general election, a period that now marks the country’s last experiment with civilian democratic governance.
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