By Amadou Keita
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso’s military rulers have dissolved the country’s national electoral commission, asserting greater control over future polls and further delaying a return to civilian rule. The junta, which seized power in September 2022, stated the commission was a “waste of money” and that the interior ministry would now manage elections.
The decision was announced by state-run RTB TV, citing Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo. Zerbo justified the move by claiming the electoral commission was “subsidized” with approximately $870,000 (£650,000) annually. He added that abolishing the body would “reinforce our sovereign control on the electoral process and at the same time limit foreign influences.”
This latest development comes as the military leadership, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has initiated sweeping reforms since taking power. A nationwide vote was originally due last year, but the junta extended the period of transition to democracy until July 2029. This extension allows Captain Traoré to remain in power and contest the next presidential election.
The military government came to power amidst widespread criticism that the former civilian authorities were failing to address a burgeoning Islamist insurgency. Since then, the junta has increasingly distanced itself from former colonial power France, instead forging closer ties with Russia.
However, rights groups have raised alarms over the military’s conduct, accusing the army of targeting civilians in its efforts to quell militants, in addition to suppressing political activity and freedom of expression.
Questions also persist regarding the effectiveness of the military’s counter-insurgency operations. Data verified by the BBC indicates that the jihadist group JNIM carried out over 280 attacks in Burkina Faso in the first half of 2025, double the number recorded for the same period in 2024.
