OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Burkina Faso’s military junta has dissolved all the political parties in the country and scrapped the laws governing them, according to a decree approved by the government on Thursday.
The dissolution of political parties and similar groups follows similar measures that activists say have targeted civic freedom and the opposition since military authorities took power in a 2022 coup.
Activities by political parties have long been suspended in the country under the junta. The new decree requires the assets of the parties to be transferred to the state, the government-run news agency said.
Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo said the dissolution comes after authorities found that the parties have deviated from the guidelines establishing them.
“The government believes that the proliferation of political parties has led to excesses, fostering division among citizens and weakening the social fabric,” he said after Thursday’s Council of Ministers meeting where the measure was approved.
Draft laws that will guide the establishment of future political parties and groups will be submitted to the legislature “as soon as possible,” the minister said.
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of countries in West and Central Africa that have been hit by a surge in coups and delays to the return of democratic rule.
Since taking power in a 2022 coup, its military leaders have launched sweeping reforms, including postponing elections that were expected to restore civilian rule and dissolving the country’s independent electoral commission.
FILE - Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore speaks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 10, 2025. (Angelos Tzortzinis/Pool Photo via AP, File)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mitch Marner had three goals and two assists and the Golden Knights scored three times in the third period to defeat the Calgary Flames 6-3 on Thursday night.
It was the sixth time in Marner's career that he had at least five points in a game and the first since also having five (one goal, four assists) for Toronto against Boston on Jan. 4, 2025.
Ivan Barbashev had a goal and and two assists, Mark Stone had an assist for his 700th career point and Pavel Dorofeyev added to his club record with his 19th power-play goal this season and 35th overall. Shea Theodore recorded two assists, including the 300th of his career with the team.
Carter Hart, who was activated off injured reserve earlier Thursday, stopped 19 shots in his first start since Jan. 8.
Blake Coleman scored twice for the Flames and Morgan Frost had the other goal. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves.
The Golden Knights moved six points ahead of Los Angeles for the third and final Pacific Division playoff spot. Vegas is three points behind division leaders Anaheim and Edmonton.
Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud received a video tribute at the first timeout of the opening period. He became emotional, patted his heart and waved to the fans, who roared at the return of one of the more beloved players in franchise history. He was with the Golden Knights since the 2017-18 season and became a regular three years later.
The Golden Knights traded Whitecloud to Calgary on Jan. 18 for Rasmus Andersson.
Calgary took the lead three times before Vegas answered with the equalizer each time, with the game tied at 3 entering the second intermission.
The beginning of the third period was delayed more than 20 minutes because of an issue with a spot on the ice.
Flames: Play at Anaheim on Saturday.
Golden Knights: Play at Edmonton on Saturday in a crucial Pacific Division matchup.
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud, center, salutes the fans during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) stops a shot behind Calgary Flames left wing Joel Farabee (86) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) skates with the puck against Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
Calgary Flames center John Beecher (18) celebrates after his goal with defenseman Zayne Parekh (19) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
