Burkina Faso’s Military Leader Moves to Criminalise Homosexuality

Burkina Faso’s military junta has announced the adoption of an amended family code draft that criminalises homosexuality, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal stance on LGBTQ rights. This development positions Burkina Faso among a growing number of African nations imposing stricter laws against same-sex relations.

Burkina Faso was previously one of 22 out of 54 African countries where same-sex relations were not criminalised. The West African nation, under military rule since two coups in 2022, has joined neighbouring Mali and Niger in forming a confederation of juntas that have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the junta confirmed the adoption of the amended family code draft during a weekly council of ministers meeting overseen by interim military leader Ibrahim Traore. “From now on, homosexuality and related practices are prohibited and punishable by law,” declared interim Justice Minister Edasso Rodrique Bayala.

Also Read: Cameroon President’s Daughter Brenda Biya Comes Out as Gay

Also Read: Ghana Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

For the new law to take effect, it must pass a parliamentary vote and be promulgated by Traore. This move is part of a broader overhaul of marriage laws in Burkina Faso, which will now only recognise religious and customary marriages.

This legislative shift comes amid a wider clampdown on LGBTQ rights across Africa over the past year. Uganda, for instance, enacted one of the world’s most severe anti-LGBTQ laws in May 2023, while Ghana intensified its repression of LGBTQ people with legislation passed in February 2024.

Despite the backlash from Western powers and local rights groups, several African countries are increasing legal restrictions on LGBTQ communities. Uganda’s law, upheld by its Constitutional Court, allows for the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” leading to significant international repercussions, including halted World Bank loans and the cessation of preferential trade terms with the US.

Similarly, in Ghana, a new bill imposing up to three years in prison for identifying as LGBTQ+ awaits a constitutional review before being signed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo. The finance ministry has warned that the bill could jeopardise $3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five to six years, critical to the country amid a severe economic crisis.

In contrast, Cameroon’s president’s daughter, Brenda Biya, recently came out as a lesbian and called for the repeal of laws banning homosexuality in her country. This revelation has sparked mixed reactions and highlighted the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights across Africa.

Burkina Faso’s legislative changes reflect a growing trend of anti-LGBTQ sentiment and legal measures in Africa, underscoring the complex intersection of politics, traditions, social values, and international relations on the continent.