Burkina Faso dissolves over 100 NGOs in widening repression of civil society

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 abrupt dissolution of these organizations represents a blatant violation of the right to freedom of association, which is constitutionally protected in Burkina Faso. Despite recent amendments, the legal foundation for this freedom remains intact and untouched. »

He further emphasized that this move contradicts 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, both of which the country has ratified.

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

Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office

« Civil society organizations are vital to upholding human rights and the rule of law. Authorities must reverse this decision immediately and guarantee these groups the ability to operate freely, without fear of persecution or retaliation. »

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

Escalating repression in Burkina Faso

On April 15, 2026, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the dissolution of 118 NGOs and associations, citing compliance with existing laws. No further justification was provided, raising concerns about the arbitrary nature of the decision.

This follows a pattern of intensified repression. In January 2026, all political parties were dissolved after being suspended for three years. Earlier, in November 2025, a presidential decree mandated that all national and international NGOs transfer their accounts from commercial banks to a newly established state-controlled financial institution under the public treasury. This move has fueled fears of asset freezes, financial surveillance, and targeted sanctions.

Burkina Faso has been under military rule since two coups in January and September 2022. In May 2024, the transitional military government extended its mandate by five years, delaying the return to civilian rule.