The Burkinabè authorities have suspended the Union générale des étudiants du Burkina (Ugeb) for a renewable three-month period, citing alleged acts of « glorification of terrorism ». The announcement, made by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, marks a new escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissent within the country’s academic circles.
Mass arrests target student leaders in Ouagadougou
In a late-night operation in Ouagadougou, security forces detained several members of the Ugeb, including its president, Wilfried Bazo. The operation, carried out by plainclothes operatives, resulted in the disappearance of multiple students whose whereabouts remain unknown. The union has condemned these actions as « severe violations of fundamental freedoms » and demanded the immediate release of all detainees.
Student movement criticizes military governance
Days before the suspension, the Ugeb issued a statement accusing the military regime of « systematic violations of democratic, union, and political freedoms » under the pretext of counter-terrorism. The organization also questioned the government’s ability to address the country’s escalating jihadist violence, which continues to destabilize large regions of Burkina Faso.
Government intensifies crackdown on civil society
The suspension of the Ugeb follows a broader wave of repression targeting civil society organizations. Nearly a thousand associations have been dissolved or suspended in recent weeks, justified by a controversial new law regulating freedom of association. This legal framework has drawn widespread criticism for its potential to stifle dissent and restrict civic engagement.
International watchdogs sound alarm over freedoms
Human rights observers have decried the military government’s tactics, warning that silencing students and civil society will not resolve the country’s deepening security and governance crises. The prosecutor’s office has since announced a judicial inquiry into the Ugeb’s « writings and statements », further escalating pressure on the organization and its leadership.