The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly urged the Government of Burkina Faso to reverse its recent measures restricting civil liberties and dissolve all political parties.
In a press statement, the UN official emphasized that restricting political space and silencing dissent contradicts Burkina Faso’s international human rights obligations. Türk called for the immediate restoration of freedom of association and expression, as well as the lifting of bans on political party activities.
Government actions spark international concern
On January 29, 2026, Burkina Faso’s authorities announced plans to dissolve all political parties and abolish the legal framework governing them. Since September 2022, political party activities have been suspended, severely limiting democratic participation and civic engagement.
Throughout 2025, several national and international organizations faced suspensions under vague justifications, including allegations of unauthorized data collection or threats to
