Burkina Faso’s parliament unanimously votes to reinstate the death penalty
All 71 lawmakers backed the revised penal code as the government cited security concerns and rights groups warned it could deepen repression.
- On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Burkina Faso's transitional legislature unanimously passed a new penal code restoring the death penalty after eight years. All 71 lawmakers in Ouagadougou voted to approve the 933-article text.
- Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has led the military junta since a 2022 coup, spearheaded the policy to strengthen the government's war against jihadist groups. The move reverses the abolition of capital punishment that took effect on May 31, 2018.
- Terrorism, espionage, treason, parricide, and importing expired or banned goods that cause a death now carry the death penalty. The rule applies to both primary offenders and their accomplices.
- Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala defended the legislation before parliament, arguing it strengthens public order. However, Human Rights Watch called the move a 'chilling message' to critics and urged lawmakers to reject it.
- According to Amnesty International, the last recorded execution in Burkina Faso occurred in 1988. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the nation, citing terrorism and crime.
49 Articles
49 Articles
Burkina Faso Restores Death Penalty
Click to expand Image Burkina Faso soldiers patrol aboard a pickup truck on the road from Dori to the Goudebo refugee camp, on February 3, 2020. © 2020 OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT/AFP via Getty Images Burkina Faso’s unelected parliament has unanimously adopted a new penal code that restores the death penalty for high treason, terrorism, acts of espionage, parricide and importation of expired or prohibited products. The country had abolished the death pe…
Parliament of Burkina Faso approves reinstatement of death penalty for serious crimes
The National Legislative Assembly (unicameral parliament) of Burkina Faso has unanimously approved amendments to the Criminal Code providing for the reinstatement of the death penalty for serious crimes. This was announced by the parliament on...
Burkina Faso’s parliament unanimously votes to reinstate the death penalty – WTOP News
The parliament in the West African junta-run nation of Burkina Faso has adopted a new penal code reinstating the death penalty for crimes including terrorism, espionage and treason. According to the country’s justice minister, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, all 71 members of the Burkina Faso legislature unanimously voted in favor of adopting the new penal code...
The Toronto Star
Burkina Faso’s parliament unanimously votes to reinstate the death penalty
The parliament in the West African junta-run nation of Burkina Faso has adopted a new penal code reinstating the death penalty for crimes including terrorism, espionage and treason.
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