Burkina Faso's military-led government has officially dissolved all political parties and formations, enacting the decision through a decree approved by the council of ministers on Thursday. This move represents the latest effort by the authorities, who seized power in September 2022, to consolidate their control following an earlier suspension of political activities after the coup. The decree mandates that all assets belonging to the dissolved political parties and formations will be transferred to the state, further solidifying the government's authority.

Interior Minister Emile Zerbo publicly stated that this sweeping decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at "rebuilding the state." He justified the dissolution by arguing that the country's multiparty system had become dysfunctional, prone to widespread abuse, and was undermining national stability. A comprehensive government review, according to Zerbo, concluded that the proliferation of numerous political parties had significantly fuelled divisions and weakened social cohesion within the nation.

Before the military coup, Burkina Faso had a vibrant political landscape, boasting more than 100 registered political parties. Following the general election in 2020, 15 of these parties held representation in the parliament. The new decree, however, effectively dismantles this entire framework.

Furthermore, a new law will be submitted to the transitional legislative council, which will repeal the existing statutes governing political parties, public financing for political entities, and the formal status of the opposition leader.

This significant political overhaul comes at a critical time for the Sahel nation, which, similar to its neighbours Mali and Niger, is grappling with severe Islamist insurgencies. These conflicts, linked to prominent groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State, have wreaked havoc across the region over the past decade, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing millions of people. The government's actions are presented as a measure to enhance state cohesion and effectiveness in the face of these persistent security challenges.