The military-led government of Burkina Faso has formally dissolved all political parties and formations across the country, citing national unity and the need for a redefined political governance system.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Presidency’s Communications Directorate, following a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore.

Speaking after the meeting, the country’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Émile Zerbo, described the move as “a great and important decision” in the ongoing process of “refounding the state.”

According to Zerbo, the proliferation of political parties had contributed to “drifting, favouring the division of citizens and weakening the social fabric.”

He added that the measure is aimed at preserving national unity, strengthening governmental coherence, and paving the way for political reforms.

The decree, passed by the council, stipulates that the assets of the dissolved political parties are to be handed over to the state. Zerbo noted that draft laws backing the decree would be forwarded to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for ratification “as soon as possible.”

Before the 2022 military coup, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties, with 15 holding seats in the National Assembly following the 2020 general elections.

Following Captain Traore’s coup in September 2022, political activities were suspended, and Thursday’s announcement formalises the complete abolition of party-based politics under the current regime.

Meanwhile, the junta also adopted a new national development roadmap, dubbed the “Reliance Plan”, during the meeting.

Valued at 36 trillion CFA francs (approximately $65 billion), the plan will span 2026 to 2030 and is expected to guide state rebuilding efforts amid security and economic challenges facing the West African country.