Burkina Faso’s transitional military government has enacted legislation that criminalizes homosexuality — punishable by two to five years in prison, fines, and deportation for foreign nationals.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the sweeping measure during a televised briefing, describing LGBTQ+ conduct as “bizarre behaviour” and warning offenders would face judiciary consequences. The law, passed unanimously by 71 lawmakers, takes effect immediately.
The legislation forms part of a broader overhaul of family and citizenship regulations promoted by the ruling junta led by General Ibrahim Traoré, with plans for a nationwide “awareness campaign” to enforce the new rules. However, human rights defenders fear this signals a dangerous regression in civil liberties.
Burkina Faso now joins a mounting list of African nations imposing penalties on LGBTQ+ individuals — including Uganda, where recent laws carry life sentences or capital punishment for same-sex relations. Mali, another regional ally, enacted similar prohibitive measures in 2024.
