Burkina Faso’s military regime tightens grip on civil society amid growing dissent

Nairobi — The military government in Burkina Faso has escalated its crackdown on civil society through restrictive legislation, administrative pressures, and punitive measures targeting both national and international organizations, according to findings by Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), and the Kisal Observatory. Rights groups urge the junta to halt its suppression of independent voices and humanitarian defenders while upholding fundamental freedoms.

Government dissolves 118 civil society groups under disputed legal pretext

On April 15, 2026, Burkina Faso’s minister of territorial administration and mobility announced the dissolution of 118 civil society organizations, many of which were actively engaged in human rights advocacy. While authorities cited a July 2025 association law, no specific violations were disclosed beyond vague claims of non-compliance. The affected groups include prominent entities like Action des Chrétiens contre la Torture (ACAT) and the Burkinabè Coalition for Women’s Rights (CBDF), despite their apparent adherence to the 2025 legislation—a process that grants organizations a one-year grace period to comply.

« The mass dissolution of civil society groups is the latest attempt by Burkina Faso’s junta to silence dissent and evade scrutiny of its human rights record », said Binta Sidibé Gascon, President of the Kisal Observatory. « This move deepens a climate of fear that stifles independent civic engagement. »

Systematic suppression follows 2022 military takeover

The current repression is part of a broader pattern that emerged after the military seizure of power in September 2022. Since then, authorities have systematically targeted NGOs, independent media, human rights defenders, and peaceful dissent, progressively shrinking civic space. Dozens of local and international organizations and media outlets have been suspended, banned, or expelled on administrative grounds or in retaliation for criticism. Humanitarian workers have faced arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, and illegal conscription into the armed forces.

Notable cases include the forced conscription of journalists and activists, such as investigative reporter Serge Oulon, who remains missing after his alleged abduction in 2024. In August 2025, the military expelled the United Nations resident coordinator after an UN report documented violations against children in the country.

2025 law centralizes control over civil society

The July 2025 Association Law, introduced under the pretext of combating money laundering and terrorism financing, has significantly expanded state control over non-profits. It imposes burdensome compliance requirements that hinder humanitarian and development work. Foreign organizations, for instance, must appoint Burkinabè nationals to key leadership and financial roles, exposing them to personal risks. A September 2025 amendment to the Family Code further empowers authorities to revoke citizenship from individuals deemed to undermine national interests, raising concerns about statelessness.

Additional administrative barriers introduced in late 2025 require organizations to obtain a « statistical visa » before conducting research or surveys—a costly and time-consuming process that critics argue « undermines independent data collection in an already restrictive environment », as noted by a humanitarian worker.

International organizations face suspension and expulsion

Between June and July 2025, authorities suspended or revoked the licenses of nearly 20 foreign NGOs, including Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Diakonia, Geneva Call, and the Tony Blair Institute, citing alleged breaches of establishment conventions. In another incident, eight staff members of the International Group Safety Organization (INSO) were detained in mid-2025 on charges of espionage before their release in December. Authorities accused them of sharing sensitive security information with foreign powers.

Since 2022, the military government has detained over 70 humanitarian workers, primarily Burkinabè nationals, according to international media reports. The regime has repeatedly targeted UN officials and civil society leaders, using a 2023 general mobilization decree—a state-of-emergency law—to justify its actions.

International law violations and calls for reform

International human rights law safeguards freedoms of expression and association, allowing individuals and groups to operate without interference. Restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory—criteria that Burkina Faso’s recent measures fail to meet, according to the coalition of rights groups.

« A vibrant and independent civil society acts as a safeguard against power abuses and amplifies marginalized voices », said Drissa Traoré, Secretary-General of FIDH. « The Burkinabè authorities must allow civil society organizations to operate freely and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens. »