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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2767(RSP))

On the continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso

B-10-2026-0319

on behalf of the ESN Group · Rapporteur: Tomasz Froelich

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

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The resolution expresses concern about the crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso, including the dissolution of political parties and civil society organisations, and the deteriorating security situation due to armed Islamist groups. It calls on Burkina Faso's authorities to stop threatening opponents and on the EU to engage pragmatically with the junta on migration, security, and counter-terrorism, and to support normalised relations with ECOWAS.

Key points

  1. Worries about the systematic crackdown on civic space and dissent, with increasing restrictions and attacks against critical voices.
  2. Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and the growing reach of armed Islamist groups across Burkina Faso.
  3. Considers that the main structural cause of the crisis is the perception of state institutions as absent, inefficient, and vehicles for self-enrichment.
  4. Considers that the immediate priority is to address Islamist terrorism and emphasises the need to build strong institutions to improve public sector efficiency and combat corruption.
  5. Calls on Burkina Faso's authorities to stop threatening political opponents, civil society, and journalists.
  6. Deeply concerned that the expansion of the drug economy and regional smuggling is fuelling the conflict.
  7. Calls on the EU to support normalised relations between Burkina Faso's junta and ECOWAS and to give targeted support to Gulf of Guinea states to contain the crisis.
  8. Calls on the EU to engage pragmatically with the military authorities and start talks on migration management, security, and counter-terrorism.
  9. Calls on the EU to support via quiet diplomacy positive changes in civil society rights, accountability, and anti-corruption measures.
  10. Gives support to the Task Force established by the African Union Peace and Security Council to support Sahelian countries.

Who is affected

  • Burkina Faso's military authorities: called on to stop threatening opponents and to address terrorism and corruption.
  • The EU: called on to engage with Burkina Faso's junta and support regional cooperation.
  • Gulf of Guinea states: targeted support to contain the crisis on their borders.
  • Civil society, journalists, and political opponents in Burkina Faso: face repression and threats.