Responding to the recent announcement regarding the dissolution of 118 non-governmental organizations and associations in Burkina Faso, Ousmane Diallo, a senior Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, issued the following statement:
“We are profoundly alarmed and gravely concerned by this overt infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of association. The unilateral dissolution of these NGOs and associations directly contravenes Burkina Faso’s own Constitution, which explicitly safeguards both freedom of association and trade union rights. Crucially, various constitutional amendments have consistently upheld this core principle.
“Furthermore, this widespread dissolution is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Burkina Faso’s international human rights obligations. These commitments stem notably from the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to both of which Burkina Faso is a state party.”
This dissolution aligns with broader attempts to stifle civil society through coercive measures.
Ousmane Diallo, senior Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa
“Civil society organizations play an indispensable role in advancing and safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law. The authorities must immediately reverse this decision, enabling these organizations to conduct their vital work freely and without fear of punitive action.
“This wave of dissolutions is part of a wider strategy aimed at silencing civil society through a range of repressive tactics. These include the implementation of abusive legislation, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention, and the prosecution of human rights defenders and activists.
“It is imperative that the authorities cease restricting civic space and infringing upon human rights. They must uphold the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments.”
Contextual Overview
On April 15, 2026, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility declared the dissolution of 118 NGOs and associations, stating it was “in accordance with existing legal provisions,” and simultaneously prohibited their activities. No further justification was provided for this sweeping action.
Preceding this, on January 29, 2026, all political parties were dissolved, following a three-year suspension period.
In November 2025, a presidential decree mandated that all national and international NGOs close their accounts with commercial banks and transfer them to a newly established, state-controlled bank within the Public Treasury. This move introduced significant risks, including the potential for arbitrary freezing of funds, enhanced financial surveillance, and targeted sanctions.
Burkina Faso has been under military governance since two coups d’état occurred in January and September 2022. In May 2024, the military transition, initially slated to conclude on July 2, 2024, was extended for an additional five years.
