In a startling development, Burkina Faso’s military government is contemplating reinstating the death penalty, mere years after the country abolished capital punishment in 2018. The revelation comes from a high-level government source who spoke to Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity.
The last execution in Burkina Faso took place over three decades ago, on September 19, 1988, when four leaders accused of orchestrating a coup attempt against then-president Blaise Compaoré were put to death. Among those executed were defense minister Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani and economic promotion minister Henri Zongo, along with two unidentified individuals.
According to the insider, bringing back capital punishment into the penal code “is being considered” by the ruling junta. “It’s up to the government to discuss it, then make the proposal to the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) for adoption,” the source elaborated.
Justice Minister Hints at Criminal Code Overhaul
On Friday, Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala alluded to the potential resurrection of the death penalty while discussing a recently passed bill introducing community service. “The issue of the death penalty, which is being discussed, will be implemented in the draft criminal code,” Bayala stated.
The justice minister further suggested that additional amendments to the criminal code could be on the horizon, aimed at aligning with “the vision and the guidelines given by the head of state, Capt Ibrahim Traoré.” Traoré, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, has been steering the country’s direction since assuming control.
Junta Rule Extension and Controversial Legislation
In a surprise move this May, Burkina Faso’s military government announced it would prolong junta rule for an additional five years, reneging on Traoré’s earlier pledge to restore civilian government by July 1. Instead, the regime passed a bill in July that included plans to criminalize homosexuality, further stoking concerns about human rights in the troubled nation.
Rise of Death Penalty in Africa
While Burkina Faso mulls reintroducing capital punishment, human rights watchdog Amnesty International has sounded the alarm about the resurgence of the death penalty across Africa. In an October statement, Amnesty reported that “recorded executions more than tripled and recorded death sentences increased significantly by 66%” on the continent.
24 countries across sub-Saharan Africa have abolished the death penalty for all crimes while two additional countries have abolished it for ordinary crimes only.
– Amnesty International
On a more optimistic note, Amnesty highlighted that “Kenya and Zimbabwe currently have bills tabled to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, while Gambia … has commenced a constitutional amendment process that will … effectively abolish the death penalty.”
As Burkina Faso grapples with the weighty question of capital punishment amid ongoing political turbulence, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in the war-ravaged West African state. The outcome of these deliberations could have far-reaching implications not only for Burkinabé citizens but for the future of human rights and the rule of law in the region.
