Burkina Faso’s military government has enacted a law criminalizing homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of two to five years and fines for same-sex relations, aligning itself with a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the Sahel region.
The law was adopted on September 1 by the nation’s transitional parliament, composed of 71 unelected members appointed by the military junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the measure on state media, framing it as part of a broader reform of the country’s family and citizenship codes. He stated that the law targets not only homosexual acts but also what he described as “all bizarre behaviour.” Foreign nationals convicted under the new provisions will face deportation.
This legislative move formalizes a draft family code proposed by the junta almost a year ago. It marks a significant shift for Burkina Faso, which was previously one of the few nations in Africa that did not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex conduct.
The decision places Burkina Faso firmly within a regional trend. Neighbouring Mali, also under military rule, passed similar legislation criminalizing homosexuality last year. This pattern reflects a broader ideological stance among several Sahelian juntas, which often justify such laws as defending traditional and cultural values against perceived Western influences.
The development further expands the map of criminalization on the African continent. Nigeria has enforced similar prohibitions since 2014, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. Uganda introduced even harsher measures last year, making “aggravated homosexuality” a capital offence. In Ghana, parliament passed a bill imposing prison terms for LGBTQ+ identification, though it awaits presidential assent.
International human rights organizations have consistently condemned such laws, arguing they violate fundamental rights and foster discrimination. Similar legislation in Uganda prompted significant international backlash, including the suspension of new loans from the World Bank and the removal of U.S. trade benefits.
As Burkina Faso’s junta continues to consolidate power amid ongoing security challenges, this law signals a continued focus on sociocultural policies that align with its conservative base, despite international criticism.
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