BURKINA FASO PARLIAMENT APPROVES BAN ON POLITICAL PARTIES

Thu 12 February 2026:

Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament unanimously approved a bill on Monday to ban all political parties and formations. This legislative move allows the military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, to consolidate control over the Sahel nation. The new law repeals the existing charter of political parties and legislation relating to the status of the political opposition.

Authorities stated that the decision aims to fundamentally reorganise political life and rebuild the state. Minister of Territorial Administration, Émile Zerbo, defended the ban as a necessary “reset” for the country. He argued that previous frameworks led to a surge in parties with weak grassroots presence and no clear ideology. According to the government, these divisions eroded public trust and weakened national unity.

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International and domestic reactions

The United Nations rights chief recently urged the government to halt the repression of civic space. This appeal included a request to overturn the plan to prohibit all political parties. Observers note that the move marks a sharp turn away from democratic rule in West Africa. The military government has also seized the assets of the dissolved organisations.

The military junta has been in power since seizing control in a 2022 coup. Since then, political activities had already been suspended across the country. This latest legislative action formalises that suspension into a permanent ban on political parties. Analysts suggest the military is entrenching itself for a long-term stay, as elections are now delayed until 2029.

Burkina Faso has also faced increasing insecurity from armed groups, leading to a rise in civilian deaths. In addition to internal changes, the country recently imposed travel bans on Americans in a reciprocal diplomatic move.