Burkina Faso’s government has passed a law banning homosexuality, with those found guilty facing two to five years in prison, according to the state broadcaster.
The decision comes at a time when the country is still under military rule following two coups in 2022, and many are viewing this move as part of a broader attempt by the current leadership to shape the country’s laws and social order according to its own vision.
The draft law was unanimously passed by 71 unelected members of the transitional government, which was put in place after the military seized power under the leadership of President Ibrahim Traore.
This move signals a major shift in the country’s approach to issues surrounding sexuality and human rights.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala made the announcement on national broadcaster RTB, explaining that the law would be enforced strictly.
“If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge,” he said, adding that anyone found guilty would face not just prison time but fines as well.
Foreign nationals convicted under the new law would be deported from Burkina Faso. The law is set to go into effect immediately, leaving little room for debate or adjustment before implementation.
Burkina Faso Military leader and President Ibrahim Traore. Photo Courtesy.
Officials have said that this law is part of a wider reform of family and citizenship legislation and that it will be rolled out alongside an awareness campaign to educate citizens about its provisions.
The government insists that the move reflects the country’s values and is aimed at protecting what it considers moral and cultural norms.
Burkina Faso now joins a long list of African countries that have similar laws criminalising homosexuality, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to, in some nations, the death penalty.
Such measures are often criticised by international rights groups and Western governments, but they continue to enjoy strong support in many African countries, where homosexuality is seen as behaviour imported from abroad rather than a natural sexual orientation.
Burkina Faso has been governed by the military since the September 2022 coup that brought Traore to power, and the country has struggled with insecurity caused by extremist violence.
The junta has promised to restore stability and protect the nation’s sovereignty, but rights organisations have accused it of restricting freedoms, arresting critics, and forcing young people into military service.
President Traore has also been outspoken about rejecting Western influence and promoting African self-determination, a stance that has gained him admiration among young people across the continent who view his leadership as bold and uncompromising.
This new law will likely deepen debates about the balance between cultural values and human rights in Burkina Faso and beyond.
