The political landscape in Burkina Faso remains deeply troubled two years after the military takeover on September 30, 2022. Despite initial promises of a democratic transition, the ruling authorities have systematically dismantled civic and democratic freedoms, silencing critics and undermining fundamental rights. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has condemned these widespread violations and is urgently calling for the restoration of the rule of law.
Nairobi, Dakar, Paris, September 30, 2024. Since seizing power, the Burkinabè authorities have progressively institutionalized repression against anyone daring to expose human rights abuses. Journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents face relentless persecution: arbitrary arrests, abductions, forced disappearances, conscription into combat roles, and threats against their families. This climate of fear is exacerbated by hate speech and violent rhetoric propagated online by regime-aligned activists.
The FIDH urges the Burkinabè government to immediately halt these attacks and release all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also calls on the authorities to honor their national, regional, and international human rights commitments.
«Silencing civil society and cracking down on human rights defenders, journalists, and opponents is unacceptable, especially during a period supposedly dedicated to state rebuilding and improved governance», declared Drissa Traoré, FIDH Secretary-General. «Civil society must be protected; safeguarding freedom of expression, opinion, association, assembly, and press freedom is essential».
While the regime had pledged to prioritize resolving the country’s armed conflict, violence and civilian abuses have intensified across all parties involved. On August 24, 2024, an attack attributed to the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) targeted civilians, security forces, and pro-government militias (VDP), resulting in numerous casualties. The FIDH and the Sahel People’s Coalition strongly condemned these atrocities.
Forced conscription of critics and defenders
Since November 2023, the authorities have systematically conscripted human rights defenders, journalists, and political opponents into military service as retaliation for their criticism or denunciations of human rights abuses. Dozens have been forcibly sent to the frontlines under the «Decree on General Mobilization and Caution», adopted in April 2023. Among them are prominent figures like human rights defender Daouda Diallo and politician Ablassé Ouédraogo.
Judicial officials have also been targeted, violating the principle of separation of powers. In August 2024, at least five magistrates—including prosecutors—were forcibly conscripted after initiating legal proceedings or ruling on cases involving individuals close to the regime. Prosecutors from courts in Ouagadougou, Boromo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Gaoua, and Ziniaré, as well as a Bobo-Dioulasso deputy prosecutor, were drafted for a three-month period starting August 14.
«Deploying magistrates—law enforcement actors—to the frontlines in retaliation for judicial decisions unfavorable to regime allies is outrageous», stated Alice Mogwe, FIDH President. «The Burkinabè State is violating its own Constitution and international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and instruments protecting human rights defenders».
End of press freedom in Burkina Faso
The authorities have progressively clamped down on press freedom, restricting access to information and censoring local media while banning major international outlets. Journalists are coerced into adopting a «patriotic» narrative favorable to the regime, facing constant harassment and threats. Self-censorship has become widespread. On June 24, 2024, investigative journalist Atiana Serge Oulon, director of the newspaper L’Événement, was abducted from his home by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR). His publication had been suspended days earlier. On June 19 and 28, journalists Kalifara Séré and Adama Bayala were also abducted following the suspension of their show «7 Infos» on the private channel BF1. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) expressed grave concerns over these violations, warning of their severe impact on press freedom.
Retaliation against exiled opponents’ families
In recent weeks, relatives of former officials have faced harassment, violence, and abductions. Between September 11 and 16, 2024, at least two family members of Djibril Bassolé, former Foreign Minister under Blaise Compaoré, were violently assaulted and abducted in Ouagadougou. These acts are directly incited by pro-regime activists.
«We call on the African Union and the United Nations to coordinate efforts in urging the Burkinabè authorities to end this violence, release abducted individuals, and respect their physical and moral integrity», urged Professor Mabassa Fall, FIDH Representative to the African Union.