Burkina Faso suspends student union amid arrests of activists

The military-led government in Burkina Faso has suspended the Union générale des étudiants du Burkina (Ugeb), the country’s largest student organization, for three months—renewable. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Territorial Administration on Wednesday, cites alleged “apology for terrorism” as justification.

The suspension follows a tightening of restrictions under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power after a coup in September 2022. In recent weeks, nearly a thousand associations across Burkina Faso have been dissolved or suspended under a new law regulating freedom of association.

Student leaders detained in overnight raids

The Ugeb reports that a dozen members, including its president Wilfried Bazo, were arrested in overnight raids on their Ouagadougou headquarters. The organization alleges that armed individuals in civilian clothing forcibly took several students to undisclosed locations. Ugeb officials condemn these actions as “severe violations of fundamental freedoms” and demand the immediate release of those detained.

Criticism of military rule intensifies

Days before the suspension, Ugeb issued a statement accusing the military government of “systematic violations of democratic, union, and political freedoms” under the pretext of combating terrorism. The student movement also criticized the authorities’ “clear inability to restore security” amid escalating jihadist violence across the country.

Human rights groups warn of repression

On Wednesday, Burkina Faso’s prosecutor announced the opening of a judicial investigation into materials attributed to Ugeb. Human rights observers argue that the suspension is part of a broader “pattern of repression targeting freedom of association and expression.” Rights groups emphasize that “silencing students will not resolve the country’s deepening security and governance crisis.”