Gambiaj.com – (OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO) – The Burkina Faso parliament has unanimously approved a new Penal Code restoring the death penalty for a range of offences, including terrorism, espionage and treason.
The People’s Legislative Assembly adopted the legislation on Tuesday, October 20, with all 71 lawmakers present voting in favor. The bill was defended by Justice and Human Rights Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala.
Under the revised code, the death penalty will apply to perpetrators and accomplices involved in certain terrorist acts, as well as espionage and treason. It will also apply to the importation of expired or prohibited products when such products cause death.
The government says the reform is intended to strengthen public order, protect people and property, and adapt criminal law to emerging forms of crime. The new code contains more than 900 articles and followed a review process in which lawmakers adopted more than 700 amendments.
Tougher Penalties
The legislation also significantly increases penalties for several economic and other offenses.
Those convicted of public funds embezzlement above a specified threshold will face life imprisonment and a fine equivalent to three times the amount stolen. Fines for a broad range of crimes and offenses have also been increased.
The new code strengthens penalties for road safety violations and introduces additional offenses linked to information and communication technologies. It also maintains the criminalization of homosexual acts and related practices.
The death penalty had been abolished in Burkina Faso in May 2018. Its restoration had been signaled by the government of Captain Ibrahim Traore, which approved a bill on the issue in December 2025.
The new legislation marks a significant change in Burkina Faso’s criminal justice framework as the authorities seek to respond to the country’s continuing security challenges and other forms of criminality.
Leave a Reply