The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly urged the government of Burkina Faso to reverse its restrictive measures on civil liberties, including the proposed ban on political parties.
In a press statement, Türk emphasized that prohibiting political parties and detaining individuals for expressing dissent runs contrary to human rights obligations. Instead, he called for an open civic space that guarantees freedom of association, expression, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Political party dissolution and restrictive laws
On 29 January 2026, the government announced plans to dissolve political parties and dismantle their legal frameworks. Since September 2022, all political party activities have been suspended, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
Over the past year, authorities have suspended multiple national and international organizations under vague justifications, such as unauthorized data collection or threats to public order and security. In July 2025, a restrictive association law was enacted, and since 11 November 2025, NGOs and associations have been required to bank exclusively with a state-owned institution. These measures have severely limited civic engagement while obstructing humanitarian aid delivery.
Despite some releases of arbitrarily detained individuals last year, the UN continues to receive reports of forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in Burkina Faso. Victims include journalists, judiciary officials, political leaders, and civil society activists.
Government commitments and UN recommendations
In a December 2025 roadmap agreed with the UN, Burkina Faso pledged to end impunity, uphold human rights in security operations, assist victims, and strengthen national protection mechanisms. However, Türk stressed that these commitments must translate into immediate, concrete actions.
Key demands include:
- Repealing restrictive laws
- Facilitating unimpeded humanitarian aid
- Unconditionally releasing arbitrarily detained individuals
- Holding human rights violators accountable
« A thriving civic and democratic space, where pluralistic voices can flourish, is essential for sustainable peace, security, and social cohesion in Burkina Faso, » Türk concluded. « Strengthening the rule of law is not optional—it is a necessity. »
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