Burkina Faso’s military-led government has now criminalised homosexuality, making it punishable by up to five years in prison—a dramatic legal shift in a country where it was previously not illegal.
The law was passed unanimously by 71 unelected members of the transitional parliament installed after two coups in 2022.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala explained that “the law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines,” adding that “if a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge.” Foreigners convicted under this law will be deported.
Burkina joins a growing list of African nations cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights. Its neighbour Mali, also governed by a junta, passed a similar law in late 2024.
Officials say the law is part of broader reforms to family and citizenship legislation, and will be “popularised through an awareness campaign.” In Burkina, homosexuality is now strictly forbidden.
source: France24
