Burkina Faso's military junta has issued a sweeping decree to dissolve all political parties within the nation and abolish the legal statutes that govern them. This decisive action was formally approved by the government during a Council of Ministers meeting held on Thursday, 29 January 2026.
A Decree for Dissolution and Asset Seizure
According to the official decree, the dissolution extends to all political parties and similar organisations. The government-run news agency has confirmed that the measure mandates the transfer of all party assets to the state. This follows a prolonged suspension of political activities that has been in effect under the junta's rule since it seized power.
Official Justification: Fostering Division and Excess
Emile Zerbo, the Minister of Territorial Administration, provided the government's rationale for this drastic step. He stated that authorities determined the political parties had deviated from their founding principles and guidelines.
"The government believes that the proliferation of political parties has led to excesses, fostering division among citizens and weakening the social fabric," Zerbo declared following the council meeting where the dissolution was ratified.
A Pattern of Authoritarian Measures
This dissolution represents the latest in a series of actions that activists and observers argue are systematically targeting civic freedoms and political opposition. Since the military authorities assumed control via a coup in 2022, they have implemented wide-ranging reforms.
These previous measures include the indefinite postponement of elections that were anticipated to restore civilian governance and the dissolution of the country's independent electoral commission.
Future Political Framework and Regional Context
Minister Zerbo indicated that draft legislation to establish a new framework for future political parties and groups would be presented to the legislature "as soon as possible." This suggests the junta intends to create a new, controlled system for political organisation rather than permit a return to the previous pluralistic model.
Burkina Faso finds itself within a troubling regional trend. It is one of several nations in West and Central Africa experiencing a resurgence of military coups and significant delays to the reinstatement of democratic norms and civilian rule.
