Ouagadougou: The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility (MATM) held a press conference on the newly adopted law on freedom of association. This law, passed on July 17, 2025, aims to enhance control over the financing of terrorism and money laundering through associations operating within Burkina Faso. Jean Pierre Vogna, Director General of Administration at the ministry, emphasized the significance of this legislative move in addressing the country's pressing security challenges.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the new legislation, identified as law n°011-2025/ALT, seeks to address the broad dispersion of associations across various sectors, which often focus solely on securing funds. The Director General highlighted that the law introduces several key innovations, including clearly distinguishing between associations and political or commercial organizations.
One of the major changes in the law is the extension of the probationary period for an association to be recognized as being of public utility-from five to ten years. Additionally, it mandates that all associations submit their budgets, annual accounts, and financial reports to relevant ministries to ensure transparency and accountability.
The law also prohibits individuals in significant political and administrative positions, such as presidents of institutions, ministers, MPs, district heads, and local authority council presidents, from being executive members of associations that operate within their jurisdiction. Moreover, it restricts any individual from leading more than two associations, aiming to streamline organizational leadership and prevent conflicts of interest.
Further, the law separates the process of signing an establishment agreement from obtaining NGO status, reserving this status for associations capable of financing development projects. It also requires foreign associations to appoint a single representative and a financial manager who must be Burkinabe nationals residing in Burkina Faso, thereby prioritizing local skills in staffing.
The new legislation was unanimously approved by the Transitional Legislative Assembly and officially enacted by President Captain Ibrahim Traor© on July 23, 2025. It is expected to provide better oversight of associations and contribute to a more organized associative environment.