Burkina Faso's military rulers intensify crackdown on civil society groups

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:01]Burkina Faso's military rulers are intensifying their crackdown on NGOs and civil society groups, on Tuesday announcing the suspension of a further 247 associations.

[00:00:12]This brings to more than 900 the number of organizations closed or dissolved by the junta since last month.

[00:00:20]Those impacted by the latest ministerial decree include Burkina-based associations working in the fields of health, education, women's rights, farming, the environment, culture, and sports.

[00:00:31]In July 2025, junta leader Ibrahim Traore signed a law restricting the workings of rights groups and syndicates. International NGOs and charities that receive foreign donations are regularly accused by the junta of spying or collusion with jihadists fighting the army.

[00:00:48]Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have expressed their alarm over the moves, which further tightens the junta's control over civil society.

[00:00:56]The crackdown comes months after the government issued a decree dissolving all political parties.