Burkina Faso’s military government has suspended 247 additional civil society organizations, deepening an ongoing crackdown that has now affected more than 900 associations since April. The latest decree, announced on Tuesday by the ruling junta, targets organizations operating in key sectors including health, education, women’s rights, agriculture, environmental protection, culture, and sports. The move comes amid growing restrictions under junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in 2022 following a military coup. In July 2025, Traoré signed legislation tightening government oversight of non-governmental organizations, trade unions, and rights groups. According to the decree, suspended associations will only be permitted to carry out activities related to ensuring compliance with state regulations during the suspension period.
The military administration has repeatedly accused foreign-funded NGOs and humanitarian groups of espionage or collaborating with jihadist groups that continue to wage attacks against the army across the country. International rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the growing restrictions, warning that the measures undermine democratic freedoms and civic participation. Amnesty International recently argued that the dissolution of associations violates Burkina Faso’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and union activity. The latest suspensions follow a separate decree issued last month dissolving all political parties, a move critics say further consolidates the military government’s grip on power as insecurity continues to worsen in the West African nation.
