Ouagadougou, BURKINA FASO — The military government of Burkina Faso has ordered the immediate dissolution of 118 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups, sparking international outcry over the tightening grip of the ruling junta.
Okay News gathered that the order was announced by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo, on Friday, April 17, 2026. The government defended the move as being in accordance with a controversial July 2025 law that restricts the activities of rights groups and syndicates, warning that any organization failing to comply faces severe legal penalties.
The dissolution is the latest in a series of repressive measures by the military administration led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup. Since taking office, Traore has dissolved all political parties and recently told citizens to “forget about democracy” as the country focuses on its long-running battle with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL. NGOs, particularly those with international funding, are frequently accused by the government of spying or colluding with insurgents.
Amnesty International has described the decision as a “flagrant attack” on the right to freedom of association. Ousmane Diallo, a senior researcher for the Sahel region, stated that the move is part of a broader effort to silence dissent through intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary detention. The crackdown follows a previous decree requiring all NGOs to transfer their commercial bank accounts to a state-controlled bank.
The move further isolates Burkina Faso from international rights bodies at a time when regional stability is already fragile. While the government maintains these actions are necessary for national security, critics argue that dismantling civil society only deepens the humanitarian crisis and removes essential oversight in the conflict-hit West African nation.
