Ouagadougou: A new list of associations operating illegally in Burkina Faso is set to be released soon, following the government's announcement of a comprehensive operation to regulate the associative sector. The Burkinabe government confirmed the dissolution of 118 organizations due to non-compliance with legal requirements, emphasizing that further names of violating entities would be disclosed "in the coming hours."

According to Burkina Information Agency, Jean-Pierre Vogna, the Director General of Territorial Administration, detailed the government's initiative during a press briefing in Ouagadougou. The action is aimed at enforcing the law on freedom of association, which mandates obtaining a receipt of recognition and subsequent publication in the Official Journal. Vogna highlighted the importance of this measure to prevent the public and partners from engaging with organizations that are not legally compliant.

The administration identified several common issues leading to non-compliance, including the failure to update governing bodies, renew mandates, and declare statutory changes. Vogna noted that many associations are currently in administrative irregularity due to neglecting these essential formalities.

To address these issues, authorities have invited the affected organizations to hold their general assemblies and submit their updated documents within the stipulated timeframe to the ministry responsible for public freedoms or the relevant regional authorities, depending on their area of operation.

During his address, Vogna reiterated the significant role of the non-profit sector in Burkina Faso, emphasizing that associations should focus on fulfilling social and community missions in collaboration with the state, rather than solely seeking funding.

The government has issued a stern warning, stating that individuals conducting activities on behalf of unrecognized or non-compliant associations could be held personally liable and face legal consequences.