Burkina Faso to bring back death penalty for serious offences

Burkina Faso's military rulers will bring back the death penalty, which was abolished in 2018, the country's Council of Ministers announced on Thursday.

"This draft penal code reinstates the death penalty for a number of offences, including high treason, acts of terrorism, acts of espionage, among others," stated the information service of the Burkinabe government.

Burkina Faso last carried out an execution in 1988.

The death penalty was then abolished 30 years later under the civilian government of Roch Marc Christian Kabore.

'Broader reforms'

Burkina has been led by Captain Ibrahim Traore since a 2022 military coup.

Since taking power, Traore has pursued anti-Western policies and distanced the country from former colonial ruler France.

"The adoption of this draft law is part of the broader reforms in the sector aimed at delivering justice that meets the profound aspirations of the people," Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said in the government statement.

The proposed law must be approved by the Transitional Legislative Assembly for it to officially take effect.