Two years following Burkina Faso’s 2022 military takeover, the transitional regime continues to deepen its grip while systematically eroding democratic freedoms. Despite initial pledges to restore constitutional order, authorities have instead crushed civic spaces, silencing dissent and trampling fundamental rights. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) condemns this alarming escalation of human rights abuses and urges immediate restoration of the rule of law.
Nairobi, Dakar, Paris, September 30, 2024 — Since seizing power in the September 30, 2022 coup, Burkina Faso’s military authorities have systematically targeted critics of their rule. Journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents face daily harassment through arrests, abductions, forced conscription, and threats against their families. This climate of fear is exacerbated by violent rhetoric spread across social media by pro-government activists.
The FIDH demands immediate cessation of these attacks and the unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. Authorities must also honor their national, regional, and international human rights obligations.
«Silencing civil society and suppressing human rights defenders, journalists, and opponents is unacceptable, particularly during a transitional period supposedly dedicated to state rebuilding and improved governance», declared Drissa Traoré, FIDH Secretary General. «Civil society must be protected. Preserving freedom of expression, opinion, association, assembly, and press is essential».
While the regime claims conflict resolution as its top priority, the FIDH documents a disturbing surge in violence against civilians from all conflict parties. 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, resulting in numerous casualties. The FIDH condemned these grave crimes, joining the Sahel People’s Coalition in demanding accountability.
Forced conscription of activists, journalists, and opponents
Since late November 2023, authorities have systematically conscripted human rights defenders, journalists, and political opponents into military service as retaliation for their criticism. Under the April 2023 «Decree on General Mobilization and Warning», at least ten individuals, including prominent human rights defender Dr. Daouda Diallo and political figure Ablassé Ouédraogo, were abducted and sent to the front lines.
Judges are also targeted, violating judicial independence principles. In August 2024, at least five magistrates—including prosecutors—were forcibly conscripted after handling cases involving regime associates. Prosecutors from Ouagadougou 1, Boromo, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Gaoua courts, along with the investigating judge from Ziniaré and a Bobo-Dioulasso prosecutor, were drafted for a three-month period starting August 14.
«Deploying judges—law enforcement agents—to the front lines as punishment for rulings unfavorable to regime allies is outrageous», stated Alice Mogwe, FIDH President. «Burkina Faso’s authorities confirm a dangerous trend: the systematic violation of fundamental freedoms, repeatedly condemned by the UN, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and human rights organizations». «This regime violates its own Constitution and obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as international treaties protecting human rights defenders».
End of press freedom in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s authorities have progressively dismantled press freedom, imposing state-controlled narratives and banning international outlets. Journalists face relentless attacks and threats, forcing widespread self-censorship. Atiana Serge Oulon, investigative journalist and publisher of the respected L’Événement weekly, was abducted from his home by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on June 24, 2024. His family has received no updates since. The newspaper was suspended for a month starting June 20. On June 19 and 28, journalists Kalifara Séré and Adama Bayala were abducted following the cancellation of the 7 Infos program on private channel BF1. The ACHPR expressed grave concern, warning this situation «threatens journalists’ physical and moral integrity and removes them from legal protection, violating their freedom of expression and opinion».
Targeting families of exiled opponents
In recent weeks, relatives of former officials have faced harassment, violence, and abductions. Between September 11–16, 2024, at least two family members of Djibril Bassolé, former Foreign Minister under Blaise Compaoré, were violently abducted in Ouagadougou—a direct result of inflammatory rhetoric from regime supporters.
«We urge the African Union and United Nations to coordinate efforts in demanding Burkina Faso’s authorities end this violence, release abducted individuals, and respect their physical and moral integrity», pleaded Professor Mabassa Fall, FIDH Representative to the African Union.
