Burkina Faso military government dissolves political parties

Burkina Faso's military-led government has dissolved all political parties and abolished the legal framework governing them, following a decree approved by the nation's Council of Ministers on Thursday.

The move, by the military government that seized power in September 2022, is the latest step in its ongoing efforts to consolidate authority after suspending political activities following the coup.

According to Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, the decision is part of a broader initiative to "rebuild the state" after what he described as widespread corruption and dysfunction within the country's multiparty system.

Zerbo said the proliferation of political parties had also deepened divisions and eroded national unity.

Prior to the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general elections.

The decree not only disbands all political parties but also calls for a new law that will repeal existing regulations on party financing and the status of the opposition leader.

The law will be presented to the Transitional Council, the body overseeing the country's interim governance. In addition, all assets of the dissolved parties will be transferred to the state.