Burkina Faso’s military rulers on Tuesday suspended almost 250 associations, bringing the total number closed or dissolved to more than 900 since the latest clampdown in the west African country began last month.
Since taking power in the Sahel country in a coup in 2022, the junta has cracked down on hundreds of NGOs, unions and the freedom of assembly, along with opposition to its military rule.
In July 2025, junta leader Ibrahim Traore signed a law restricting the workings of rights groups and syndicates.
“During the suspension period, only actions designed to ensure the associations are respecting the law are allowed,” the government said in a decree.
The junta regularly accuses international NGOs and charities that receive foreign donations of spying or collusion with jihadists fighting the army.
In April, Human Rights Watch said the law enabled the junta to intensify a generalised crackdown on civil society.
