Burkina Faso’s ruling military council has announced the reinstatement of the death penalty in its new draft criminal code, applying to crimes such as high treason, terrorism, and espionage.
The country had abolished capital punishment in 2018 after a long moratorium.
Justice Minister Édasso Rodrigue Bayala stated that the draft law “is part of a comprehensive reform aimed at establishing a justice system that meets the aspirations of the people.”
The move reflects a broader hardline policy adopted by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a September 2022 coup and has since promoted a sovereignist, anti-Western stance while strengthening ties with Russia and Iran.
The draft code also introduces new provisions criminalizing the “promotion and practice of homosexuality,” following a law passed earlier this year penalizing “homosexual acts” with imprisonment.
Observers believe the reinstatement of capital punishment aims to entrench the military council’s authority and respond to escalating security threats in the country.
The decision comes amid rising armed violence across the wider Sahel region.
