Burkina Faso: Military Leaders Dissolve Electoral Commission

The military leaders of Burkina Faso have dissolved the country's electoral commission, deeming it a "waste of money", and the Ministry of Interior will now be in charge of future elections. This move is the latest in a series of radical reforms launched by the junta since it came to power in September 2022.

The dissolution of the electoral commission is seen as a significant step towards consolidating power for the military leaders, who have already postponed elections that would have led to a return to civilian rule. The transition period towards democracy has been extended until July 2029, allowing Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has been in power for three years, to potentially run in the next presidential election.

Human rights groups have accused the military of targeting civilians and suppressing political activity and freedom of expression. The effectiveness of the military operation is also being questioned, with over 280 jihadist attacks reported by the JNIM group in the first half of 2025. The government has defended its decision, citing the need to streamline the electoral process and reduce costs.

In addition to the dissolution of the electoral commission, the council of ministers has also adopted several decrees to approve the statutes of ten higher education and research institutions. The move aims to harmonize the statutes and objectives of these institutions, taking into account the needs of professional integration for graduates.

The developments in Burkina Faso are being closely watched by the international community, with concerns about the country's transition towards democracy and the impact of the military's actions on human rights and stability in the region.