Burkina Faso Reinstates Death Penalty for Terrorism, Treason and Other Crimes
Burkina Faso’s military-led government has reinstated the death penalty for offences including terrorism, treason and espionage, reversing the country’s 2018 abolition of capital punishment.
The country’s unelected legislative assembly unanimously approved a revised criminal code on Tuesday, October 20, following a proposal by the government of military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
According to the Justice Ministry and state news agency AIB, the offences punishable by death include terrorism, espionage, treason, parricide — the killing of a parent — and importing expired or prohibited products that cause death.
The government said the reform aims to strengthen public order, protect citizens and property, and respond to the country’s security challenges.
Burkina Faso has been battling an insurgency involving armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, with attacks contributing to widespread displacement and a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
The decision has also raised concerns about human rights and the administration of justice under military rule. Amnesty International had previously urged the authorities not to restore capital punishment, while Human Rights Watch has warned of declining accountability and restrictions on civil liberties.
Burkina Faso abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 2018. Its last known judicial execution took place in 1988, according to Amnesty International.
The reinstatement marks a significant shift in the country’s criminal justice system as the military government continues to pursue security and legal reforms.
