Burkina Faso Junta Criminalises Homosexuality with New Law

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has passed a controversial law banning homosexuality and criminalising same-sex relations with strict penalties.

The unelected transitional parliament in Ouagadougou approved the legislation on Monday, imposing prison terms of up to five years and heavy fines on anyone convicted of engaging in homosexual acts.

In a statement obtained by PulseNets through a state-owned media broadcast, the country’s Justice Minister, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, explained that “the new law provides for a jail term ranging from two to five years, in addition to fines.”

According to what was reported, foreigners found guilty of homosexual conduct in Burkina Faso will not only face prosecution but will also be deported after serving their sentence.

The law, PulseNets learnt, is still awaiting the final assent of the country’s junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in 2022 after ousting another military ruler, Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba, in a coup.

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With this move, PulseNets reported that Burkina Faso—once listed among the 22 out of 54 African countries where homosexuality was not criminalised—has now joined the bloc of nations across the continent that outlaw same-sex acts.

Analysts who spoke to PulseNets described the decision as part of a broader trend of restrictive policies being adopted by several African governments under military leadership, with potential implications for human rights, international relations, and foreign aid.