Burkina Faso’s military government has intensified its clampdown on civil society, suspending nearly 250 associations and pushing the total number of dissolved or closed groups to over 900 within weeks.

Burkina Faso’s military rulers have suspended 247 associations as the junta deepens its crackdown on civil society groups, unions and NGOs across the country.

According to a ministerial decree, the affected Burkina-based associations operate in sectors including health, education, women’s rights, farming, environment, culture and sports.

The latest move brings the number of associations closed or dissolved since last month to more than 900.

Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, junta leader Ibrahim Traore and the ruling military government have tightened restrictions on NGOs, unions and public assembly while suppressing opposition voices.

In July 2025, Traore signed a law limiting the operations of rights organisations and syndicates. The government stated that during the suspension period, associations would only be permitted to carry out activities aimed at ensuring compliance with the law.

International NGOs and charities receiving foreign funding have repeatedly been accused by the junta of espionage or collaborating with jihadist groups battling government forces.

Human Rights Watch had earlier warned in April that the new law could enable authorities to intensify what it described as a widespread crackdown on civil society.

#BurkinaFaso #IbrahimTraore #AfricaNews #WestAfrica #CivilSociety #HumanRights #NGOs #MilitaryJunta #BreakingNews #cbinewstv