On Continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso

B100303/2026

European Parliament resolution on Continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso

(2026/2767(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas the NATO invasion of Libya, against the will of the African Union, has created lasting instability in the Sahel states with the Tuareg but even Daesh exacerbating their presence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger;

whereas years of French and European military operations in the region failed to create peace and security;

whereas in January 2022, part of the Burkinabe army led a coup promising security and sovereignty; whereas this came in a context of widespread popular frustration with decades of external interference, economic dependency and unequal power relations;

whereas the new authorities promised national sovereignty over natural resources, an end to economic dependency, and a development model centred on economic sovereignty and national control over strategic sectors;

whereas since then, the duration of military-led “transitional regime” was extended from two years to five years; whereas in January 2026, political parties were dissolved after a three-year suspension; whereas between April and May 2026, nearly 700 NGOs and associations were suspended or dissolved; and attacks on the media led to the suspension of TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and the arrest of journalists;

Stresses that lasting peace, security and social progress in the Sahel require addressing structural inequalities, the strengthening of popular power, and fully respecting the self-determination of peoples;

Expresses its solidarity with the Burkinabè people and all those defending social justice, sovereignty and dignity;

Expresses concern over the shrinking civic space in Burkina Faso, including restrictions on trade unions, student movements, independent organisations, domestic media and critical voices;

Recognizes the legitimate right of the people of Burkina Faso to freely determine their own political, economic and social future, free also from external interference and exploitation;

Condemns therefore European policies in the Sahel which have prioritised militarisation, border externalisation and the interests of European corporations over the rights and needs of local populations, thereby undermining sovereign development, fundamental rights and freedoms, and social progress;

Calls on the European Union and its Member States to abandon all neocolonial aspirations and policies designed to maintain influence in, or control over, the region and support sovereign social development, economic justice, and the self-determination of people;

Supports the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Benin and Senegal to engage with Burkina Faso, with a view to de-escalating tensions between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States and to fostering joint action on the common problems faced by the countries of the region;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Burkinabè authorities.