Burkina Faso has dissolved all political parties and formations and repealed laws governing their operation.

This was annouced by the presidency’s communications directorate on Thursday, after Ibrahim Traore, junta leader, presided over the council of ministers meeting.

Émile Zerbo, minister of territorial administration and mobility, said the “great and important decision is part of the re-founding of the state”.

According to the statement from the presidency, the numerous political parties have led to drifting, favouring the division of citizens and weakening the social fabric.

The statement said the measure is aimed at preserving national unity, strengthening the coherence of governmental action, and opening the way for a reform of political governance.

The adopted decree states that the property of the dissolved parties should be handed over to the state.

“The draft laws will be passed to the Transitional Legislative Assembly as soon as possible,” Zerbo said.

Before the coup, the country had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 general election.

After Traore seized power in a September 2022 coup, the parties were forced to suspend activities.

At the council of ministers meeting, a state development roadmap tagged the “Reliance plan” was also adopted.

The plan is valued at FCFA 36 trillion (around $65 billion) and stretches from 2026 to 2030.