- Reinstatement Plans: Burkina Faso’s military regime aims to reintroduce the death penalty, abolished in 2018.
- Government Source: Proposal under consideration, pending discussion and submission to Transitional Legislative Assembly.
- Justice Minister’s Statement: Rodrigue Bayala confirms plans to implement death penalty in draft criminal code.
- Regional Context: Amnesty International reports surge in death penalty use in Africa, despite progress in abolition.
- Contrasting Trends: 24 Sub-Saharan countries have abolished the death penalty, while others consider abolition.
Burkina Faso’s military regime plans to reinstate the death penalty, which was abolished in 2018. A government source confirmed that reintroducing capital punishment to the penal code is under consideration. Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala stated that the issue is being discussed and will be implemented in the draft criminal code, aligning with Captain Ibrahim Traore’s vision.
This development contrasts with regional progress in abolishing the death penalty. Amnesty International reports that 24 Sub-Saharan countries have abolished the death penalty, with Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Gambia considering similar measures.
However, the rights group also notes a surge in death penalty use on the African continent, with recorded executions tripling and death sentences increasing by 66%. Burkina Faso’s last execution took place in 1988.
The proposal comes amid other significant legislative changes, including a bill banning homosexuality, passed in July. The move has sparked concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the country.
