The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility has suspended the As Salam association and
the Coordination of Young Muslims of Burkina Faso (CJMB) for three months, citing activities inconsistent with their stated purpose and public order disturbances, respectively.
The Burkinabe authorities have temporarily suspended two Islamic civil society organisations, according to two decrees signed on June 9 by the Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo.
The first measure targets the As Salam association, officially recognised since September 10, 2022. According to the ministerial decree, the organisation is suspended for three months due to “activities inconsistent with its stated purpose.”
The text specifies that the Secretary General of the ministry is responsible for implementing this decision. The second sanction concerns the Coordination of Young Muslims of Burkina Faso (CJMB), an association recognised since October 16, 2019. In its case, the ministry cites “acts of public disorder” to justify the suspension of its activities during the same period.
Active in the social, humanitarian, and educational fields, the two organisations are among the most visible Islamic structures in the country. They are particularly known for their solidarity actions on
behalf of vulnerable populations, the organisation of training courses and seminars, as well as their participation in community initiatives.
The decrees, however, provide no further details on the alleged offenses committed by the two associations.
For the next three months, the official activities of both organisations must be suspended throughout the national territory, in accordance with the administrative decisions made by the authorities.
This measure comes in a context marked by increased scrutiny of religious and non-profit organizations. Public authorities emphasise the imperatives of preserving public order and respecting the stated objectives of legally recognized associations in Burkina Faso.
HO/te/Sf/fss/as/APA