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

B100322/2026

European Parliament resolution on continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso

(2026/2767(RSP))

having regard to its previous resolutions on the Sahel,

having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

having regard to Rule 150 (5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Burkina Faso has been governed by a military junta since the coup d'état of September 2022 led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré;

whereas the security situation in Burkina Faso continues to deteriorate as jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State expand their operations across the Sahel, including through cross-border insurgent activity originating from neighbouring Mali;

whereas in recent months the military authorities have dissolved more than 100 associations and civil society organisations, further shrinking civic space and restricting the freedoms of association, expression and assembly;

whereas the transitional authorities have dissolved political parties and suspended political activities, while President Traoré has publicly stated that Burkinabè citizens should “forget” democracy;

whereas journalists, civil society representatives, human rights defenders and perceived critics of the regime have reportedly been subjected to intimidation, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and forced recruitment;

whereas Human Rights Watch and other organisations have documented grave violations committed by government forces and allied militias against Fulani civilians, including killings and forced displacement, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity;

whereas the military authorities have strengthened political, economic and security cooperation with Russia while reducing cooperation with traditional international partners; whereas Burkina Faso is one of the Sahel states where Russia's Africa Corps operates in; whereas many Africa Corps personnel are former Wagner fighters, and the group is widely seen as Wagner's successor operating under tighter Kremlin control;

whereas Burkina Faso together with Niger and Mali formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS);

whereas continued instability in Burkina Faso risks further destabilising the wider Sahel region and undermining regional efforts to restore security, constitutional order and economic development;

Strongly condemns the continued crackdown on civic space, political freedoms and fundamental rights in Burkina Faso;

Expresses grave concern over the dissolution of political parties and the public rejection of democratic governance by the country's military leadership;

Condemns the ongoing jihadist insurgency affecting Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel, including terrorist activities originating from and operating across the border with Mali;

Expresses concern over the growing influence of Russia in Burkina Faso's security and political affairs that contributes to democratic backsliding, reduced transparency and human rights abuses; highlights that Russian paramilitary actors operating in the Sahel have been implicated in serious human rights violations;

Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to closely monitor the human rights situation in Burkina Faso, support independent civil society and humanitarian actors, and coordinate with African partners to address the interconnected challenges of terrorism, governance and regional instability;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the authorities of Burkina Faso and the African Union.