Burkina Faso has been placed on an international human rights watchlist following growing concerns over the country's deteriorating civic and political freedoms under military rule.

According to CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists, authorities have increasingly restricted the activities of civil society organisations, political opposition parties, journalists, and government critics. In a statement, CIVICUS called on Burkina Faso's leader, Ibrahim Traoré, to reverse the dissolution and suspension of civil society organisations, allow political parties to operate freely, and initiate a genuine dialogue to restore democratic governance.

 Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Baiye Mbu, West and Central Africa Researcher for the CIVICUS Monitor.