Burkina Faso faces escalating crackdown on civil society groups

military Junta tightens grip on independent voices in Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou – The military government in Burkina Faso has intensified its crackdown on civil society, imposing restrictive legislation, administrative pressures, and punitive measures targeting both national and international organizations. This alarming trend, documented by leading human rights bodies, raises serious concerns about the shrinking civic space in the country.

Mass dissolution of NGOs under controversial law

On April 15, 2026, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the dissolution of 118 civil society organizations, many of which were actively engaged in human rights advocacy. The decision, based on a 2025 association law, was made without clear justification, merely citing vague claims of non-compliance. Among the affected groups were prominent organizations like Action des Chrétiens contre la Torture (ACAT) and the Coalition Burkinabè pour les droits des femmes (CBDF), both of which appeared to meet the legal requirements set by the 2025 law—a regulation that grants organizations up to a year to comply with new obligations.

« The mass dissolution of civil society groups is the latest move by Burkina Faso’s junta to silence dissent and evade scrutiny of its human rights record, » said Binta Sidibé Gascon, Chair of the Observatoire Kisal. « This decision fosters a climate of fear that paralyzes independent civic engagement. »

Systematic repression since 2022 coup

Since the military seized power in September 2022, authorities have systematically targeted NGOs, independent media, human rights defenders, and peaceful dissent. Dozens of organizations—both local and international—have faced suspensions, bans, or expulsions under vague administrative pretexts or in retaliation for criticism. Humanitarian workers have been arbitrarily detained, forcibly disappeared, or illegally conscripted into the military, while journalists and political opponents face relentless persecution.

« The pattern of repression began immediately after the coup, » noted Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch. « The dissolution of 118 NGOs is one of the most severe blows to civil society since the junta took control, sending a chilling message to others who dare to speak out. »

Legal framework used to justify crackdown

The July 2025 association law, introduced under the pretext of combating money laundering and terrorism financing, has expanded government control over non-profits. It imposes burdensome compliance requirements, including mandating that foreign NGOs appoint Burkinabè nationals to key leadership and financial roles—a provision that exposes individuals to personal risks. Additionally, a September 2025 family code amendment allows authorities to strip citizenship from individuals deemed to act against state interests, raising fears of statelessness.

Humanitarian workers report that new administrative barriers, such as the mandatory « statistical visa » introduced in late 2025, have further hindered independent research and data collection in an already restricted environment. In mid-2025, nearly 20 foreign NGOs, including Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Diakonia, and Geneva Call, were suspended or had their licenses revoked for unclear procedural violations.

Targeting individuals and international organizations

The repression extends to individuals within civil society and international bodies. Since 2022, authorities have detained over 70 humanitarian workers, predominantly Burkinabè nationals. In a high-profile case, the UN’s top representative in Burkina Faso, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, was declared persona non grata and expelled in August 2025 following a UN report on child rights violations. Earlier in 2025, eight staff members of the International Group Safety Organization (INSO) were arbitrarily arrested on espionage charges before being released in December.

Military authorities have also weaponized the April 2023 « general mobilization » decree, a state-of-emergency law, to conscript critics, journalists, and civil society activists into the armed forces. Since July 2025, at least six journalists and three activists have been released, but others remain missing, including investigative journalist Serge Oulon, whose whereabouts are unknown.

Violation of international human rights standards

International human rights law protects the rights to freedom of expression and association, ensuring that individuals and groups can operate without undue interference. Restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory—criteria the 2025 association law and recent dissolutions fail to meet, according to human rights organizations.

« A vibrant and independent civil society serves as a check on power and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, » said Drissa Traoré, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). « The Burkinabè authorities must allow civil society organizations to operate freely and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens. »