The military government of  Burkina Faso has dissolved all political parties in the country. It has also removed the laws that regulated how these parties operated. The decision was approved through a government decree on Thursday.

According to the decree, all political parties and similar groups are now officially disbanded. Their assets will be taken over by the state, as reported by the government-run news agency.

Political party activities had already been suspended since the military took power in a coup in 2022. Activists say this latest move is part of a wider crackdown on political opposition and civic freedoms.

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, said the decision was made after authorities concluded that political parties were no longer following the rules under which they were formed.

The BBC reported that he said the large number of political parties had created problems in society. According to him, this situation encouraged divisions among citizens and weakened social unity.

The minister added that the government plans to introduce new draft laws in the future. These laws will define how political parties and groups can be formed again. He said the proposals would be sent to the legislature as soon as possible.

Burkina Faso is one of several countries in West and Central Africa that have experienced military takeovers in recent years. Many of these nations have faced delays in returning to democratic rule.

Since taking control in 2022, Burkina Faso’s military rulers have made several big decisions. The recent move is also a question mark on civilian safety and democracy.