Ouagadougou: The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) in Burkina Faso has adopted a significant new law aimed at governing the freedom of association. The bill, presented by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬°mile Zerbo, was passed during a plenary session and introduces several key innovations to better regulate associations while enhancing national security.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Zerbo emphasized that the new law will facilitate an effective mapping of associations and NGOs operating within the country, significantly aiding in the monitoring and surveillance of their activities. Additionally, the legislation serves as a crucial tool in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Among the noteworthy changes introduced by the law, it explicitly prohibits ministers, presidents of institutions, elected officials, and heads of administrative districts from holding leadership positions within an association. The law also distinguishes between non-profit associations, politically oriented organizations, and commercial entities, ensuring clarity in their operations.
In the interest of national security, the government is now authorized to impose restrictions on the freedom of association for certain trades to guarantee the continuity of essential services. Associations and NGOs are given a year to align with the new provisions, after which non-compliant entities will face sanctions, as specified by the minister.
The Committee on General, Institutional Affairs and Human Rights (CAGIDH) has been tasked with an in-depth examination of the law, taking into account the perspectives of four other parliamentary committees.