Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers has approved a new bill seeking to reinstate the death penalty for crimes including treason, terrorism, and espionage, marking a significant shift in the country’s justice system.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the development in a statement released on Thursday, emphasizing that the proposal aligns with the government’s ongoing judicial reforms. According to Bayala, the bill aims to create a justice system that reflects “the deep aspirations of the people.”
Burkina Faso abolished capital punishment in 2018, and its reinstatement would require approval from parliament, followed by judicial review, before it can take effect.
The proposed legislation comes amid sweeping political and institutional changes introduced by the military government since seizing power in a 2022 coup. The junta has postponed elections that were expected to transition the country back to civilian rule and dissolved the independent electoral commission.
Press freedom has also sharply declined. Over the past year, authorities have suspended media outlets such as the BBC and Voice of America for reporting on a military-linked civilian massacre, and detained several journalists seen as critical of the regime.
Burkina Faso is one of several West African nations currently under military rule, following widespread public frustration over insecurity under previous democratic governments. However, the junta has been accused of human rights violations and suppressing dissent.
The country of 23 million continues to grapple with a deepening security crisis, fueled by extremist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have destabilized the Sahel region in recent years.
