Burkina Faso’s military government has withdrawn the operating licences of four foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and suspended two other foreign associations, according to decrees seen by AFP.
- Burkina Faso’s military government has revoked the licenses of four foreign NGOs and suspended two other foreign associations due to cited formal breaches.
- Authorities have cited combating jihadist violence as justification for suppressing dissent within civil society and the media.
- The country’s security situation remains challenging due to ongoing violence from jihadist groups expanding from Mali and Niger.
The decrees, dated mid-June, cited a government minister who explained that the decision to revoke the licences of the four NGOs was based on formal breaches. No further details on the nature of the breaches were provided.
In the same decrees, two foreign associations were suspended for a period of three months. One of the associations was reportedly accused of data breaches.
The actions are part of ongoing security measures by Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta, which seized power in a coup in September 2022. Since then, the return of national sovereignty has been declared one of the government’s top priorities.
Authorities have regularly repressed dissent, particularly within civil society and the media, as part of what they describe as efforts to combat the jihadist violence that has affected the country for the past ten years.
There have also been growing allegations of increased kidnappings and extrajudicial arrests, particularly targeting civilians perceived as opponents of the junta.
Burkina Faso remains affected by ongoing violence linked to jihadist groups, which originally spread from neighbouring Mali and Niger and has since expanded beyond those borders.
Military government tightens control amid ongoing insecurity
Burkina Faso’s military government, under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has increasingly tightened its grip on power as the country continues to grapple with relentless insecurity, particularly from jihadist insurgents.
In addition, diplomats accused of engaging in “subversive” activities have been expelled, while several foreign media organisations have been forced to shut down.
Ultimately, while the junta justifies its tightening control as necessary to restore security and national sovereignty, its repressive measures and failure to stem violence have raised serious concerns about the country’s long-term stability and the erosion of civil and political freedoms.
Fathia Olasupo
