Burkina Faso’s military government has suspended the country’s largest student union for three months and detained its leader, in what observers describe as a growing clampdown on dissent under the ruling junta.
Authorities announced the suspension of the General Union of Students of Burkina (Ugeb), accusing the group of “advocating terrorism,” according to a decree issued by the country’s Ministry of Territorial Administration.
The West African nation has been under military rule since 2022 after Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a coup, promising to restore security amid escalating extremist violence. Since then, the junta has faced criticism for restricting civic freedoms and tightening control over independent organisations.
The action against the student body followed recent statements by Ugeb condemning what it described as shrinking democratic space, alleged unlawful detentions, and restrictions on political and trade union freedoms.
In a statement issued last week, the union criticised the military government over persistent insecurity, saying authorities had shown an “obvious inability to restore security” in parts of the country affected by jihadist attacks.
Reports from the student organisation indicated that approximately 10 students, including Ugeb president Wilfried Bazo, were arrested overnight between Monday and Tuesday after armed individuals in plain clothes reportedly stormed the union’s headquarters in the capital, Ouagadougou.
Prosecutors have since announced plans to open an investigation into the student union, citing concerns over the seriousness of statements allegedly linked to the group.
Reacting to the development, Human Rights Watch condemned the suspension and arrests, warning that suppressing student voices would not solve the country’s worsening challenges.
“Silencing students will not address Burkina Faso’s worsening security and governance crisis, including expanded attacks by an Islamist insurgency,” the rights organisation said.
The latest development comes amid increasing scrutiny of the junta, which has reportedly dissolved or suspended hundreds of independent organisations in recent weeks as it intensifies efforts to control dissent.
