Burkina Faso dissolves 118 NGOs as repression of civil society intensifies

In response to the government’s decision to shut down 118 non-governmental organizations and associations within Burkina Faso, Ousmane Diallo, a senior Sahel researcher for Amnesty International, shared his perspective:

« We are deeply troubled by this clear violation of the right to associate freely. The dismantling of these NGOs and associations stands in direct opposition to the Constitution of Burkina Faso, which protects both trade union and associational freedoms. Even with various constitutional updates, these fundamental principles remain unchanged.

« Furthermore, this action contradicts Burkina Faso’s global human rights commitments, specifically those outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which the nation is a signatory.

This wave of dissolutions is a component of a wider campaign to silence civil society through heavy-handed measures.

Ousmane Diallo, senior Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office

« Organizations within civil society are vital for upholding the rule of law and defending human rights. It is imperative that the authorities reverse this choice immediately, allowing these groups to operate without the threat of retaliation.

« Shutting down these entities is part of a systemic effort to suppress civic voices. This includes the use of restrictive laws, harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and legal actions against activists and human rights defenders.

« The government must cease its attacks on civic space and human rights, honoring the international obligations and pledges that Burkina Faso has made. »

Historical context

On April 15, 2026, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility in Burkina Faso declared the dissolution of 118 NGOs and associations. The authorities cited “current legal provisions” as the basis for the ban but offered no further explanation for the move.

Earlier that year, on January 29, 2026, all political parties were formally dissolved after having been under suspension for three years.

In November 2025, a presidential decree mandated that all domestic and international NGOs close their private bank accounts. These funds were required to be moved to a newly established state-controlled bank within the Public Treasury, raising concerns about potential financial surveillance, arbitrary freezing of assets, and targeted penalties.

Burkina Faso has been under military leadership following two coups in January and September 2022. While the military transition was originally set to conclude in July 2024, it was extended for an additional five years in May 2024.