The military tightens control after the 2022 coup
Burkina Faso’s military government announced that all political parties would be banned, effectively ending their existence since 2022 when the junta took power.
Emile Zerbo, Interior Minister Emile Zerbo said that this ban is to “rebuild” the state after “numerous violations” of the multiparty system. Zerbo said that the previous system weakened social cohesiveness and promoted divisions among citizens.
The State will take over all assets of the parties
Prior to this, parties could only hold public meetings. Now, the new law prevents them from operating at all. Zerbo said that the state would seize all assets of the parties, and a new draft law reflecting the change will be soon.
Citizens and Civil Society React with Mixed Reactions
Several members of the civil society expressed their concern about this ban. An activist who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals said: “This won’t help the country progress.” This is not acceptable to us.” “We are not happy with this.”Some criticized it, while others supported the move. On X (formerly Twitter), one supporter said: “Having more than 100 political parties causes chaos.” The fragmentation of parties often results in corruption and clientelism, turning them into businesses rather than civic organisations.
Traore Extends Rule Despite Previous Promises
Captain Traore sacked Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba just nine months following Damiba’s assumption of power in 2022. Two months prior to this deadline, however, the junta declared that it would continue its five-year rule.
Traore, 37, has garnered significant support in Africa despite his authoritarian methods. His pan-Africanist vision and his criticism of Western influences have gained him a lot of popularity.
Local Context
Burkina Faso’s experience of coups, political restrictions and other West African events is not unique.Guinea’s Gen Mamady doumbouya was the leader of a coup in Guinea and he recently won a general election by an overwhelming margin.
