Burkina Faso’s military government has ordered the dissolution of around 200 associations, marking a further escalation in its restrictions on civil society. The decision, announced Tuesday, affects 205 locally based organizations working across sectors such as health, education, women’s rights, agriculture, the environment, culture, and sports.
Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, the ruling junta has steadily tightened its grip, targeting non governmental organizations, labor unions, and public gatherings, while suppressing opposition to military rule. In July 2025, junta leader Ibrahim Traoré approved legislation that placed stricter controls on the activities of advocacy groups and trade unions.
According to a government decree, any activities carried out during the suspension period must be limited to ensuring compliance with the law. Authorities have frequently accused international NGOs and charities receiving foreign funding of espionage or links to jihadist groups fighting government forces.
The latest move follows a similar action in April, when hundreds of associations many focused on human rights were banned nationwide. That same month, Human Rights Watch warned that the new legal measures were enabling authorities to intensify a broad crackdown on civil society.
