The transitional government has taken a historic step in its break with the traditional democratic model. This Thursday, January 29, 2026, the presidency of Burkina Faso officially announced its intention to dissolve all political parties in the country, whose activities had already been suspended since 2022.

The end of the party system

Captain Ibrahim Traoré's government justifies this radical decision by citing a "thorough diagnosis" of the political landscape. According to the minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting, the proliferation of political parties has led to:

1. Systemic problems linked to the application of the legal framework.
2. Social fragmentation that undermines the unity of citizens.
3. A weakening of the national fabric during a time of crisis.

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Émile Zerbo, stated that a draft law would be submitted "as soon as possible" to the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT). The text notably stipulates that the financial and material assets of dissolved parties be seized by the State .

A deliberate shift away from democracy

Having seized power in a coup in September 2022—the second in less than a year—Captain Traoré has never hidden his intentions. Advocating a sovereignist and anti-imperialist stance, the regime openly embraces its break with Western democratic standards.

"The government believes that the proliferation of parties has fostered division." — Presidency of Burkina Faso.

This announcement comes amid increased repression of dissenting voices and closely follows the extradition, on January 20, of former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba from Togo.

Key dates in the transition

Date	Event
January 2022	PH Sandaogo Damiba's coup d'état.
September 2022	Ibrahim Traoré seizes power and parties are suspended.
May 2024	Adoption of a charter extending the transition by 5 years.
January 2026	Announcement of the definitive dissolution of the parties.

By sweeping away the party system, the current power intends to fundamentally reform the mode of governance and consolidate a political vision centered on the "coherence of government action", far from the influence of France and Western powers.