In a sweeping move, authorities in Burkina Faso have taken action against numerous civil society organizations, announcing the suspension of 811 associations and the dissolution of an additional 118 since mid-April. The official justification provided for these measures is the “non-renewal of their governing bodies,” with the ruling junta citing “legal provisions in force” without offering further specifics.
The suspended organizations, effective May 12, 2026, operate across a range of vital sectors, including health, education, the promotion of women and gender equality, and religious activities. A ministerial decree clarifies that throughout the suspension period, the only permissible activities are those aimed at regularizing each association’s administrative status.
Widespread crackdown on civil society
In July 2025, Captain Ibrahim Traoré enacted new legislation designed to regulate freedom of association, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade unions. This legal framework, while affirming the principle of freedom of association, simultaneously subjects it to rigorous obligations concerning declaration, administrative oversight, and legal conformity. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, extending to the outright dissolution of an organization.
According to government statements, the primary objectives behind this law are to enhance transparency, create a comprehensive mapping of all associations and NGOs operating within the country, and intensify efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of “terrorism.”
International NGOs and associations that receive foreign funding are frequently accused by the current administration of engaging in espionage or having links to jihadist groups. Human Rights Watch, a prominent human rights advocacy organization, expressed its concern in late April, noting that the new law empowers the junta to “intensify its generalized repression of civil society.”
