Burkina Faso’s military government tightens grip on civil society

The military-led administration in Burkina Faso is escalating its crackdown on independent civil society groups, imposing restrictive laws, administrative hurdles, and punitive measures against both local and international organizations, according to leading human rights watchdogs. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from global advocacy groups, which are urging authorities to end the suppression of dissent and restore fundamental freedoms.

Mass dissolution of NGOs raises alarm

On April 15, 2026, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the dissolution of 118 civil society organizations, including prominent human rights defenders. Authorities cited compliance issues under a 2025 association law but failed to provide specific evidence, citing only vague claims of non-compliance. Among the dissolved groups were active organizations like Action des Chrétiens contre la Torture (ACAT) and the Burkinabè Coalition for Women’s Rights (CBDF), which had reportedly met legal requirements under the same law—a statute that allows a one-year grace period for compliance, still in effect.

« The mass dissolution of civil society groups is the latest tactic by Burkina Faso’s junta to silence criticism and obscure its human rights record, » stated Binta Sidibé Gascon, Chair of the Kisal Observatory. « This decision deepens a climate of fear, effectively stifling independent civic engagement. »

Systematic erosion of civic space

Since seizing power in September 2022, the military government has progressively targeted NGOs, independent media, human rights defenders, and peaceful dissent. Dozens of organizations and media outlets have faced suspensions, bans, or expulsions under vague administrative pretexts or in retaliation for criticism. Humanitarian workers have also been detained, forcibly disappeared, or conscripted against their will, while journalists and political opponents have faced arbitrary arrests.

In August 2025, authorities expelled the United Nations’ top representative in Burkina Faso, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, declaring her persona non grata following a UN report on child rights violations. Earlier that year, eight staff members of the International Group Safety Organization (INSO)—a Dutch-based humanitarian security group—were detained on espionage charges before being released in December, though the accusations were never substantiated.

Legal tools used to suppress opposition

A controversial 2025 association law, ostensibly designed to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, has granted authorities sweeping control over civil society. The legislation imposes burdensome compliance requirements, including mandating that foreign NGOs appoint Burkinabè nationals to key leadership and financial roles—a provision that exposes local staff to personal risks. A September 2025 amendment to the Family Code further enables authorities to strip citizenship from individuals deemed to act against state interests, raising concerns over statelessness.

Additional bureaucratic barriers have compounded the challenges. Civil society groups now require a « statistical visa » to conduct research or data collection, a costly and time-consuming process that critics argue undermines independent analysis in an already restrictive environment. Between June and July 2025, nearly 20 international NGOs, including Comunità di Sant’Egidio and Geneva Call, had their licenses suspended or revoked for alleged procedural violations.

International law under threat

Human rights organizations warn that Burkina Faso’s recent actions violate international law, which protects freedoms of expression and association. Restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory—criteria, they argue, that the 2025 law and its enforcement fail to meet. « A vibrant civil society acts as a vital check on government overreach and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, » said Drissa Traoré, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). « The Burkinabè authorities must reverse course and ensure civil society can operate freely. »

Key developments in Burkina Faso’s civil society crackdown

• 2025 Association Law: Expanded government control over NGOs, citing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.
• September 2025 Family Code Amendment: Allows authorities to revoke citizenship of individuals opposing state interests.
• April 2026 Mass Dissolution: 118 NGOs dissolved, including groups active in human rights and women’s rights.
• Administrative Barriers: Introduction of mandatory statistical visas for research and data collection.
• Forced Conscription: Use of a 2023 emergency decree to enlist journalists, activists, and critics into the military.

The deteriorating situation in Burkina Faso underscores the urgent need for international pressure to restore civic freedoms and hold authorities accountable for their actions.