The government of Burkina Faso has announced a new decree requiring all accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations to open and maintain their operational accounts exclusively with the Banque des Dépôts du Trésor.
The measure, approved during Thursday’s Council of Ministers chaired by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, aims to strengthen financial oversight and combat money laundering.
At a press briefing following the meeting, Government Spokesperson Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouedraogo stated that several important decisions had been taken to ensure the smooth functioning of the nation under the Progressive Popular Revolution framework.
Among these, the decree concerning NGO and association accounts stands out as a key reform to improve transparency.
“The adoption of this decree will allow us to monitor the operations of these entities, facilitate the control work of financial authorities, and above all, continue the fight against money laundering,” explained Fatoumata Bako/Traoré, a senior government official.
The Council also discussed broader economic measures, including the preliminary 2026 Finance Bill, which projects state revenues of 3,431.5 billion CFA francs and expenditures of 3,918.3 billion CFA francs.
With a planned budgetary savings of 673 billion CFA francs and a deficit of 486.8 billion CFA francs, the bill includes fiscal reforms such as expanding the tax base, structural adjustments, and targeted tax incentives.
The draft will now be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for examination and adoption.
In addition, the government approved a decree formalizing the process for obtaining permanent resident status in Burkina Faso.
Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, explained that applicants must have resided in the country continuously for at least five years.
“Before applying for naturalization, one must hold permanent resident status, which allows enjoyment of all rights except those specifically reserved for nationals, such as voting or eligibility for office,” he said.
The new measures underscore Burkina Faso’s commitment to improving governance, enhancing financial accountability, and ensuring that both citizens and organizations operate within clearly defined legal and regulatory frameworks.
The decree on NGOs and associations represents a significant step toward greater fiscal transparency and tighter control over external and domestic funding in the country’s civil society sector.
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