Burkina Faso Bans All NGO Activity Without Government Permission

Oluwasegun SanusiFebruary 10, 20251 Mins read45

Captain Ibrahim Traoré

The Burkinabé government has ordered the immediate suspension of any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or association operating without authorisation and issued a directive mandating that all NGOs and associations operating within the country must obtain prior permission from central and regional authorities before conducting any activities.

This decision, communicated in a statement from the Ministry of Humanitarian Action, underscores the need for tighter control over NGO operations. The directive cited concerns over the unregulated activities of NGOs, which, according to the government, are operating in the field without prior clearance. The statement highlighted the security risks associated with “anarchic services” provided by unauthorised organisations.

The Minister, who also serves as the President of the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation, emphasised that the decision is aimed at safeguarding the country’s stability and ensuring that assistance to affected populations aligns with national priorities.

In view of the particular context of our country and the security risks to which anarchic services could expose us, I would be grateful if you could take any measures to prohibit any activity by NGOs and associations without prior authorisation from the national authorities,” the directive read.

Authorities have been instructed to strictly implement this measure to prevent unauthorised activities that could exacerbate the country’s humanitarian and security challenges.

This development is coming after the Trump administration discontinued all foreign aid and recalled all USAID workers back.