Burkina Faso’s military rulers on Tuesday ordered the dissolution of around 200 associations, the latest clampdown on civic groups in the West African country.
In total, the Sahel country suspended 205 associations operating in sectors including health, education, women’s rights, farming, the environment, culture and sport.
Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, the ruling junta has cracked down on hundreds of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), unions and the freedom of assembly, along with opposition to its military rule.
In July 2025, Ibrahim Traore, leader of the junta, signed a law restricting the workings of rights groups and syndicates.
“During the suspension period, only actions designed to ensure the associations are respecting the law are allowed,” the government said in a decree.
International NGOs and charities that receive foreign donations are regularly accused by the junta of spying or collusion with jihadists fighting the army.
In April, Human Rights Watch said the law enabled the junta to intensify a generalised crackdown on civil society.
