Burkina Faso's Military Government Dissolves All Political Parties

Burkina Faso's military-led government has dissolved all political parties, whose activities had been suspended since the military seized power in 2022. Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo stated that the decision aims to "preserve national unity, strengthen the coherence of government action, and pave the way for reforming political governance."

The decree mandates that the assets of the dissolved parties be transferred to the state. A draft law to repeal existing regulations governing party financing and operations will be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for approval.

Before the 2022 coup, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general election.

Since assuming power, the military government has postponed elections initially scheduled for July 2024 and dissolved the country's independent electoral commission.

Burkina Faso is among several West and Central African nations that have experienced coups and delays in returning to democratic governance in recent years.