The UN’s stance on Burkina Faso’s political restrictions has been unequivocal: « This is not a step in the right direction for the human rights of the Burkinabè people, » stated the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Instead of silencing opposition through party bans and arrests, the authorities in Burkina Faso should prioritize opening civic space, safeguarding freedom of expression and association, and reinstating the activities of political parties—all obligations under international law, » the Commissioner added.

Burkina Faso’s sweeping measures against political parties

On January 29, 2026, Burkina Faso’s government announced plans to dissolve all political parties and dismantle the legal frameworks governing them. Since September 2022, party activities have already been suspended nationwide, as confirmed by the UN Human Rights Office.

Over the course of 2025, authorities suspended the operations of multiple national and international organizations—often without clear justification or under vague pretexts such as unauthorized data collection or alleged threats to « public order and security. » In July 2025, a restrictive new law on freedom of association was enacted, and since November 11, 2025, a decree has mandated that NGOs and associations must exclusively open and manage their bank accounts with a state-owned bank.

The cumulative impact of these suspensions and decisions has severely hindered civil society engagement in Burkina Faso, directly violating international human rights standards. These measures have also been implemented without mitigation strategies, directly obstructing humanitarian operations and access to vulnerable populations.

While the government released several arbitrarily detained individuals last year, the UN Human Rights Office continues to receive reports of forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in Burkina Faso. Victims include journalists, members of the judiciary, political leaders, and civil society activists.

Government’s human rights commitments under scrutiny

In a joint roadmap agreed with the UN Human Rights Office in December 2025, Burkina Faso’s government pledged to end impunity, uphold human rights during security operations, assist victims, guarantee fundamental freedoms, and strengthen national mechanisms for human rights protection and torture prevention.

« These commitments are meaningful and must be translated into urgent, concrete actions, » emphasized UN High Commissioner Volker Türk. « Authorities must repeal restrictive laws, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery nationwide, and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained individuals. Accountability for human rights violations must be upheld. »

« A vibrant civic and democratic space—one that fosters pluralistic political engagement—alongside a strengthened rule of law, is essential for sustainable peace, security, and social cohesion in Burkina Faso, » the Commissioner concluded.