Burkina Faso’s crackdown on civil society: 118 NGOs and associations dissolved

In response to Burkina Faso’s decision to dissolve 118 NGOs and associations, Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, issued a strong condemnation:

« The blatant violation of the right to freedom of association is deeply alarming. The dissolution of these organizations directly contradicts Burkina Faso’s Constitution, which explicitly protects this fundamental right. No constitutional amendments have ever undermined this principle, making this move all the more unjustifiable. »

He further emphasized that the dissolution also breaches Burkina Faso’s international human rights obligations, including those outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the country is a signatory.

This systematic crackdown is part of a broader strategy to silence civil society through oppressive measures, including restrictive laws, intimidation, arbitrary detentions, and harassment of human rights defenders.

Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel, Amnesty International

« Civil society organizations are vital in safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law. Authorities must reverse this decision immediately and ensure these organizations can operate without fear of retaliation or suppression. »

He concluded by urging the government to end its suppression of civic space and comply with Burkina Faso’s international human rights commitments.

Why the dissolution of NGOs and associations matters

Legal and constitutional contradictions

The dissolution of 118 NGOs and associations has raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles. Despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of association, this decision appears to undermine these protections, sparking widespread criticism.

Burkina Faso’s obligations under international human rights frameworks further highlight the inconsistency of this move. By dissolving these organizations without clear justification, the government risks isolating itself from global standards and further eroding public trust.

A pattern of repression under military rule

The dissolution follows a series of restrictive measures that have intensified under Burkina Faso’s military-led government. Since the 2022 coups and subsequent military transition, civic freedoms have steadily diminished, with authorities employing legal and administrative tools to suppress dissent.

Key developments include:

• The dissolution of all political parties in January 2026, following a three-year suspension.
• A November 2025 decree mandating that all NGOs—both national and international—close their commercial bank accounts and transfer funds to a newly established state-controlled bank within the public treasury. This move raises concerns over arbitrary fund freezes, financial surveillance, and targeted sanctions.
• The indefinite extension of the military transition period, originally scheduled to end in July 2024, now prolonged by five additional years.

These actions collectively signal a systematic narrowing of civic space in Burkina Faso, with civil society organizations and political entities facing increasing restrictions on their operations.

International condemnation and calls for accountability

Human rights organizations and international observers have condemned the dissolution of these NGOs and associations, viewing it as a deliberate effort to stifle independent voices. The move has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to exacerbate human rights violations and undermine democratic governance.

As Burkina Faso continues to navigate its political transition under military rule, the international community is calling for greater transparency and adherence to human rights standards. The dissolution of these organizations underscores the urgent need for Burkina Faso to uphold its constitutional and international obligations and restore civic freedoms.