Summary
Burkina Faso's military leaders have removed the country's electoral commission, stating it is too costly and unnecessary. The Interior Ministry will now manage elections, and the return to civilian government has been delayed until July 2029, allowing the current leader to remain in power.
Key Facts
- The military commanders in Burkina Faso took power in September 2022 and have made several changes since then.
- They shut down the electoral commission, which previously managed elections in the country.
- The Interior Ministry will now be responsible for handling elections.
- Elections planned for last year have been postponed, with civilian rule now delayed until July 2029.
- The decision to end the electoral commission was partly due to its annual cost of about $870,000.
- The military rulers claim this move will strengthen national control over elections and reduce outside influence.
- Burkina Faso's leadership rejected help from France and chose to align more with Russia.
- Human rights groups have accused the military of targeting civilians and limiting political freedoms.
- There has been an increase in attacks by militant groups, with more than 280 attacks reported in the first half of 2025.
