Burkina Faso has revoked the licenses of four foreign NGOs and suspended two others for a period of three months, citing legal and data-related violations, according to official decrees dated mid-June.
Authorities did not publicly elaborate on the exact nature of the breaches, but emphasized that the move aligns with ongoing national security and regulatory efforts.
One of the suspended organizations was reportedly involved in unauthorized handling of sensitive information.
The decision comes amid growing domestic initiatives aimed at enhancing sovereignty, strengthening internal governance structures, and limiting external interference, especially in the face of escalating insecurity linked to armed groups operating in parts of the country.
Burkina Faso, like its Sahelian neighbors, has faced persistent violence attributed to non-state armed groups. Efforts to stabilize the country have included reforms in civil society oversight, greater control of international partnerships, and revised operational guidelines for foreign entities.
In recent months, multiple international actors — including diplomats and media representatives — have been asked to halt operations or depart, following assessments that their actions were not aligned with national priorities.
While some rights groups have expressed concern about freedoms of association and expression, officials say the measures are necessary to restore peace, order, and national cohesion, especially in high-risk regions where violence continues to disrupt livelihoods.
The decision is seen by analysts as part of a broader strategy by Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to reassert economic and regulatory independence from foreign influences, particularly those perceived as undermining local efforts to resolve security challenges.