Burkina Faso's junta has announced a ban on all political parties, whose activities have been suspended since the military seized power in 2022. Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been criticised for suppressing dissent and the move will be seen as the latest move to tighten control. According to Burkina Faso's Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, the ban is part of plans to 'rebuild the state' after what he said were 'numerous abuses' in the country's multiparty system. Zerbo stated that the system had been 'promoting division among citizens and weakening the social fabric.' Previously, parties were banned from holding public gatherings, but the new decree stops them from operating altogether. All the assets of the dissolved parties would be transferred to the state, added Zerbo, with a draft law expected to be presented to the Transitional Legislative Assembly 'as soon as possible.' Burkina Faso had over 100 registered political parties before the coup, with 15 represented in parliament following the 2020 general election. Traoré's coup in 2022 ousted Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had been in power for only nine months. Although Traoré promised to restore civilian governance by July 1, 2024, the junta recently announced an extension of its rule for another five years. Despite his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old Traoré has garnered significant support across Africa for his pan-Africanist views and critique of Western influence. Burkina Faso is among several West African nations that have experienced coups, raising alarms about regional stability.