On Monday, the transitional parliament in Burkina Faso enacted a law that effectively dissolves all political parties, a move that has drawn international condemnation and is seen as an additional constraint on political life following the military's rise to power in September 2022. This decision comes after party activities were suspended following the coup that removed former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, paving the way for Captain Ibrahim Traore's leadership. The government justified the dissolution, claiming that the existence of multiple parties had led to societal divisions and weakened national cohesion.

Captain Traore, known for his 'sovereign' and 'anti-colonial' rhetoric, has previously stated that his regime does not seek to be democratic. Additionally, in May 2024, he approved a charter allowing him to extend his rule by another five years, suggesting an inclination towards consolidating power rather than fostering democratic governance. The official statement from the transitional government cited a desire for national unity as the rationale behind this significant move against political plurality.

The United Nations has expressed concern regarding this decision, with High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urging the authorities in Ouagadougou to reverse the law. The international community views this development as a worrying trend that undermines civil liberties and may exacerbate existing tensions in the nation, thereby affecting the already volatile socio-political landscape of Burkina Faso.