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Burkina Faso Reinstates Death Penalty Amid Controversial Reforms

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Burkina Faso's Council of Ministers approved legislation to reinstate the death penalty for treason, terrorism, and espionage, reversing the 2018 abolition.
The bill requires parliamentary approval and court review before it becomes law.
The move follows reforms by the military government that seized power in a 2022 coup and postponed elections.
In 2024, parliament passed a law banning homosexuality, with prison terms of two to five years.

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Story summary

Burkina Faso's Council of Ministers approved legislation to reinstate the death penalty for treason, terrorism, and espionage, reversing the 2018 abolition.
The bill requires parliamentary approval and court review before it becomes law.
The move follows reforms by the military government that seized power in a 2022 coup and postponed elections.
In 2024, parliament passed a law banning homosexuality, with prison terms of two to five years.