Two years since the military takeover in Burkina Faso, the transitional government shows no signs of restoring constitutional order. Despite initial promises, authorities have systematically dismantled civic space, silencing dissent and undermining fundamental freedoms. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) condemns the escalating violations and urges an immediate return to the rule of law.
Nairobi, Dakar, Paris, September 30, 2024. Since seizing power in the September 30, 2022 coup, Burkina Faso’s military rulers have systematically targeted critics of human rights abuses. Journalists, activists, and opposition figures face daily harassment: arbitrary arrests, abductions, forced disappearances, coerced conscription, or threats against their families. This climate of fear is exacerbated by pro-regime activists who propagate hate speech and incitement to violence on social media.
The FIDH demands an immediate end to these attacks and the unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also calls on Burkina Faso’s authorities to honor their national, regional, and international human rights commitments.
«Silencing civil society and suppressing human rights defenders, journalists, and opponents is unacceptable—especially during a transition period that claims to rebuild the state and improve governance», declared Drissa Traoré, FIDH Secretary General. «The protection of civil society is essential. We must safeguard freedom of expression, opinion, association, assembly, and press».
While the junta pledged to prioritize resolving the country’s armed conflict, the FIDH has documented a surge in violence against civilians by all parties involved. On August 24, 2024, an attack attributed to the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) targeted civilians, security forces, and civilian defense volunteers (VDP), resulting in dozens of casualties. The FIDH and the Sahel People’s Coalition have condemned these grave crimes.
Forced conscription of critics, journalists, and opponents
Since late November 2023, authorities have systematically conscripted human rights defenders, journalists, and political opponents into the military as retaliation for their criticism. Under the April 2023 «Decree on General Mobilization and Warning», at least ten individuals—including prominent figures like human rights advocate Daouda Diallo and political actor Ablassé Ouédraogo—have been forcibly sent to the frontlines.
Judges are also targeted, violating the principle of separation of powers and judicial independence. In August 2024, five judges—including prosecutors—were forcibly conscripted after opening cases or issuing rulings against regime allies. Prosecutors from courts in Ouagadougou, Boromo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Gaoua, and judges from Ziniaré and Bobo-Dioulasso were drafted from August 14 to November 13, 2024.
«Deploying judges and law enforcement officials to the frontlines as punishment for rulings unfavorable to regime allies is outrageous», stated Alice Mogwe, FIDH President. «Burkina Faso’s actions confirm a dangerous trend: the systematic erosion of fundamental freedoms, repeatedly condemned by the UN, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and human rights organizations. The state violates its own Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international conventions protecting human rights defenders».
End of press freedom in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s authorities have progressively restricted press freedom, with local media under state control and international outlets banned. Journalists are coerced into adopting a «patriotic» approach to reporting—meaning favorable coverage of the regime. Many face relentless attacks and threats, forcing widespread self-censorship. On June 24, 2024, investigative journalist Atiana Serge Oulon, editor of the newspaper L’Événement, was abducted from his home by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR). His publication had been suspended on June 20 for one month. On June 19 and 28, journalists Kalifara Séré and Adama Bayala were abducted after their show « 7 Infos » on private channel BF1 was suspended. The ACHPR has expressed «grave concern» over these incidents, warning they pose a severe threat to journalists’ safety and freedom of expression.
Relatives of exiled opponents targeted
In recent weeks, families of former officials have faced harassment, violence, and abductions. Between September 11–16, 2024, at least two relatives of Djibril Bassolé, former Foreign Minister under Blaise Compaoré, were violently abducted in Ouagadougou—directly incited by regime-aligned activists.
«We urge the African Union and United Nations to coordinate efforts to pressure Burkina Faso’s authorities to end this violence, release abducted individuals, and ensure their physical and moral integrity», pleaded Professor Mabassa Fall, FIDH Representative to the African Union.
