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resolution motion, 15 June 2026

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

Motion B-10-2026-0303 · (2026/2767(RSP))

on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Marc Botenga

On Parliament’s site PDF Word

AI:In short

This resolution expresses concern over the shrinking civic space in Burkina Faso, including restrictions on trade unions, media, and NGOs, and condemns European policies in the Sahel that prioritize militarisation and corporate interests. It calls on the EU and its member states to abandon neocolonial policies and support sovereign development, and supports diplomatic initiatives by Benin and Senegal to de-escalate tensions.

Key points

  1. Stresses that lasting peace and security in the Sahel require addressing structural inequalities, strengthening popular power, and respecting self-determination.
  2. Expresses solidarity with the Burkinabè people and all those defending social justice, sovereignty, and dignity.
  3. Expresses concern over restrictions on trade unions, student movements, independent organisations, domestic media, and critical voices.
  4. Recognizes the legitimate right of the people of Burkina Faso to freely determine their own political, economic, and social future, free from external interference.
  5. Condemns European policies in the Sahel that have prioritised militarisation, border externalisation, and corporate interests over local populations.
  6. Calls on the EU and its member states to abandon neocolonial policies and support sovereign social development, economic justice, and self-determination.
  7. Supports diplomatic initiatives by Benin and Senegal to engage with Burkina Faso to de-escalate tensions between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States.

Who is affected

  • The people of Burkina Faso, including trade unions, student movements, independent organisations, and domestic media.
  • The European Union and its member states, called to change their policies.
  • Benin and Senegal, whose diplomatic initiatives are supported.

Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem

Full text

Text 18 paragraphs

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;

Read the rest (6 paragraphs)

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.