The United Nations has called on Burkina Faso’s military rulers to halt the suppression of civic freedoms and reverse plans to ban all political parties in the country. The West African nation’s junta, which seized power in 2022, announced last week that it intends to dissolve political parties whose activities have already been suspended under military rule.
Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, stressed that instead of outlawing political parties and punishing citizens for expressing their views, the authorities should create space for civil society, including humanitarian actors. He added that Burkina Faso must respect freedoms of association and expression and lift restrictions on political party activities in line with its international commitments.
The UN highlighted that last year, Burkinabe authorities suspended numerous national and international organizations, often without explanation or citing vague reasons such as unauthorized data collection. In July, a new restrictive law on freedom of association was enacted, followed by a November decree requiring NGOs and associations to maintain all cash accounts exclusively with a state-run bank. These measures have, the UN said, severely limited the ability of civil society to operate freely.
Although some individuals arbitrarily detained last year were released, the UN continues to receive reports of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests targeting journalists, members of the judiciary, political party leaders, and civil society activists.
Burkina Faso had previously committed, in a roadmap agreement with the UN in December, to uphold human rights, end impunity in security operations, and respect fundamental freedoms. Turk emphasized that these promises must now translate into tangible action. Authorities are urged to repeal restrictive laws, ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and release all individuals held arbitrarily. Accountability for serious human rights violations remains a priority, the UN stressed, warning that respecting civil liberties is crucial for the country’s stability and democratic future.
