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Burkina Faso: Crackdown On Civil Society
HRW, 20 April 2026
Mass Dissolution of Civic Groups, Enforcement of Repressive Laws Read more »
The military government has intensified its crackdown on civil society. It has dissolved 118 organizations, many of which are engaged in human rights work. The authorities cited a July 2025 law on freedom of association but offered no justification beyond vague allusions to noncompliance.
The military government's action reflects a broader pattern of repression that began after the military seized power in September 2022. Ever since the takeover, the authorities have targeted nongovernmental organizations, independent media, and peaceful dissent, steadily narrowing civic space. They have suspended, banned, or expelled dozens of Burkinabè and international organizations and media outlets on vague administrative and spurious grounds or in retaliation for criticism.
Critics say the measures are silencing dissent and shrinking civic space under the guise of security, as the country continues to battle insurgent groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
A new Human Rights Watch report has revealed that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed since Ibrahim Traoré seized power in Burkina Faso three years ago in acts amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to the report, approximately 1,837 civilians, including dozens of children, were killed in 57 incidents between January 2023 and August 2025.
Most of the killings were attributed to the military and
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged all parties involved in the conflict in Burkina Faso to respect international law, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit summary executions, attacks on civilians, and sexual violence. The appeal follows reports that militants have killed at least 38 civilians, abducted nine women, and destroyed property in three separate incidents in northeastern Burkina Faso since late January
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The military-led government has dissolved all political parties by decree, ending their ability to operate even internally. The government said the move was necessary because the proliferation of parties had caused abuses, fueled divisions, and weakened the social fabric.
A bill scrapping party statutes, financing rules, and the post of opposition leader was to be sent to the transitional council, with all party
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