The UN's top human rights official on Feb. 5 demanded Burkina Faso end its clampdown on civic freedoms, including an announced ban on political parties. In his comments, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasized that the government's decision to prohibit political parties marks a serious setback for the freedoms of expression, association and political participation in Burkina Faso. He stated:

Instead of banning political parties and jailing people for expressing their opinions, the authorities in Burkina Faso need to open up space for civil society, including humanitarian actors, respect the exercise of freedom of association and expression, and lift bans on the activities of political parties, in accordance with their international obligations and commitments.

The rights chief further urged the government to repeal its restrictive laws, allow unimpeded humanitarian assistance to those in need, and unconditionally release those arbitrarily detained. Türks office stated that the authorities' actions have "sharply constricted civil society’s activity in the country, inconsistent with international human rights law."

Burkina Faso's military-led government dissolved all political parties on Jan. 29 and repealed the laws governing their operation. This followed a government review finding that "the proliferation of political parties has led to abuses, fueled divisions among citizens and weakened the social fabric."

In September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré took control of the country after staging a successful coup. While Traoré immediately suspended all political and civil society activities, the recent government decree went further by dismantling the legal framework supporting multiparty democracy altogether. Traoré has since steadily suspended political parties through various means, including cancelling elections in September 2023 due to supposed national security concerns. He had previously promised that elections would be reinstated to ensure democracy.

Human Rights Watch stated Feb. 4 that in multiple West African countries, including Burkina Faso, military juntas have consolidated power by postponing democratic transitions, banning political opposition, and expelling international bodies. The rights group urged these countries to comply with their obligations and protect human rights.

From JURIST, Feb. 6. Used with permission.