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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-10-2026-0320

on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: JanChristoph Oetjen, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Malik Azmani, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Lucia Yar, Urmas Paet, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Olivier Chastel, Dan Barna, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Petras Auštrevičius, Engin Eroglu, Hilde Vautmans

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

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The resolution condemns the crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso since the 2022 military takeover, including the dissolution of civil society organisations, restrictions on media, and the reinstatement of the death penalty. It calls on the authorities to reverse these measures, release arbitrarily detained persons, restore freedoms, and ensure counter-terrorism respects human rights. It urges Burkina Faso not to reintroduce the death penalty and calls on the EU, member states, and international bodies to monitor and support civil society.

Key points

  1. Condemns the dissolution and suspension of civil society organisations and calls for their immediate reversal.
  2. Urges amendment of Law No. 011-2025/ALT on freedom of association in consultation with civil society.
  3. Calls for an end to intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and unlawful conscription of civil society actors, journalists, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, and political opponents.
  4. Calls for the release of all arbitrarily detained persons and independent investigations into human rights violations.
  5. Calls for restoration of freedom of expression and media freedom, lifting restrictions on independent media.
  6. Calls for respect for political pluralism, restoration of activities of political parties and student organisations, and a credible roadmap to democratic transition.
  7. Reaffirms that counter-terrorism must respect international human rights law, humanitarian law, and the rule of law.
  8. Reiterates opposition to the death penalty and urges Burkina Faso not to proceed with its reintroduction.
  9. Calls on the EU and member states to maintain engagement with Burkina Faso, placing fundamental rights at the centre and increasing support to civil society.
  10. Calls on the UN, African Union, and ECOWAS to continue monitoring the human rights situation.

Who is affected

  • Civil society organisations in Burkina Faso, including those dissolved or suspended.
  • Journalists and media outlets, including TV5Monde, facing restrictions.
  • Political parties and student organisations, including UGEB, whose activities are suspended.
  • Human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, and political opponents at risk of detention or conscription.

Figures and deadlines

  • 118 human rights civil society organisations dissolved.