Burkina Faso - July 2025

On 16 July, Burkina Faso’s transitional government passed a law to dissolve the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which has overseen elections since 2001. The junta cited high costs and alleged foreign influence as justification for the move, with electoral responsibilities now transferred to the Ministry of Territorial Administration. The decision follows the military’s 2024 extension of the transition period until July 2029, allowing transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to remain in power and contest future elections. Critics argue the dissolution undermines electoral independence and consolidates executive control over the electoral process. 

Sources: Jeune Afrique, British Broadcasting Corporation (1), British Broadcasting Corporation (2), The Associated Press, Africa News, France 24