Burkina Faso: Freedom of association, a new law for a more rigorous and transparent framework
Meeting in plenary session on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the members of Burkina Faso’s Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) unanimously adopted the draft law on freedom of association. This new legal framework, comprising 87 articles across seven chapters, represents a major step in redefining the regulatory environment governing associations in the country.
Presented by the Minister of State and Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Mr. Emile ZERBO, the bill aims to adapt national legislation to current realities. Its main objective is to better regulate the exercise of freedom of association while ensuring greater oversight and increased transparency in associative activities. One of the key innovations is the prohibition of certain public officials—including institutional heads, ministers, national elected officials, administrative district chiefs, and local government leaders—from holding leadership positions within associations. The law also introduces clear obligations for associations, as well as specific restrictions and incompatibilities for their leaders.
The law now clearly differentiates between non-profit associations and those with political or commercial aims. It also incorporates regulations related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT). Additionally, it provides for the establishment of an integrated monitoring mechanism for associations, along with a more inclusive framework for dialogue between the state and civil society organizations. According to Minister Emile ZERBO, this reform will not only better structure the associative landscape but also enhance the role of associations in national development. He noted that the implementation of the law could generate over two billion CFA francs in annual revenue, with estimated operational costs of just 150 million.
While some concerns were raised during the session, the deputies praised the relevance of the bill. The Minister’s responses were deemed satisfactory, paving the way for the unanimous adoption of this important law for associative governance in Burkina Faso.
