Burkina Faso two years post-coup: severe rights violations surge

Burkina Faso’s democratic backslide: two years of escalating repression

The military-led transition in Burkina Faso, now two years after the September 30, 2022 coup, has seen a dramatic erosion of civil liberties and human rights. Despite initial promises of restoring constitutional order, the transitional authorities have systematically silenced dissent through arrests, forced conscriptions, and enforced disappearances. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has condemned this systematic crackdown and urges immediate action to restore the rule of law.

Widespread repression targets critics and rights defenders

Nairobi, Dakar, Paris – September 30, 2024: Since seizing power in 2022, Burkina Faso’s military-led government has intensified repression against journalists, human rights activists, and political opponents. Reports confirm daily incidents of arbitrary arrests, abductions, forced conscriptions, and threats against families of critics. Online hate speech and incitement to violence, often propagated by pro-regime actors, have further fueled a climate of fear.

FIDH demands the immediate halt of these abuses and the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also calls for compliance with Burkina Faso’s national and international human rights obligations.

“The stifling of civil society and repression of journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents is unacceptable, especially during a transition aimed at state rebuilding and improved governance,” stated Drissa Traoré, FIDH Secretary General. “Civil society must be protected. Preserving freedoms of expression, opinion, assembly, and the press is essential for a functioning democracy.”

Forced conscription of critics as a tool of intimidation

Since late 2023, Burkina Faso’s authorities have systematically forced critics—including human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition figures—into military service under the pretext of national mobilization. The “Decree on General Mobilization and Warning”, adopted in April 2023, has been used to target individuals who exposed human rights violations. Among those forcibly conscripted are prominent figures like Dr. Daouda Diallo, a respected human rights defender, and Ablassé Ouédraogo, a political leader.

Judges and prosecutors have also been targeted. In August 2024, at least five magistrates—including prosecutors from major courts like Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Ziniaré—were forcibly conscripted after handling cases involving regime allies. “Sending judges, who uphold the law, to the frontlines as retaliation for unfavorable rulings is outrageous,” said Alice Mogwe, FIDH President. “This violates Burkina Faso’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international conventions protecting human rights defenders.”

Media freedom under siege

The government has progressively restricted press freedom, imposing a “patriotic treatment” of news—meaning coverage must align with the regime’s narrative. Independent media outlets face suspensions, and journalists operate under constant threat of violence or abduction. Atiana Serge Oulon, editor of the investigative newspaper *L’Événement*, was abducted from his home by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in June 2024; his newspaper had been suspended just days earlier. Similarly, journalists Kalifara Séré and Adama Bayala were abducted after their show *7 Infos* was suspended on BF1 television. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) expressed alarm over these threats to press freedom and journalists’ safety.

Families of exiled opponents targeted

In recent weeks, relatives of former officials have faced harassment, violence, and abductions. Between September 11–16, 2024, at least two members of the family of Djibril Bassolé, a former foreign minister, were violently abducted in Ouagadougou—an act linked to pro-regime incitements to violence.

“We urge the African Union and the United Nations to coordinate efforts in urging Burkina Faso’s authorities to end this cycle of violence, release abducted individuals, and guarantee their physical and moral integrity,” stated Professor Mabassa Fall, FIDH Representative to the African Union.

International condemnation grows

Burkina Faso’s violations have drawn sharp criticism from global human rights bodies. The FIDH, alongside regional coalitions like the Sahel Peoples’ Coalition, has condemned recent attacks—such as the August 24, 2024, assault by the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) on civilians and security forces, which resulted in numerous casualties. These acts violate international humanitarian law and underscore the urgent need for accountability.