By Isha S. Mansaray
Burkina Faso’s military administration has enacted law that criminalizes homosexuality. The new law has introduced punishments for same sex relations, including imprisonment up to five years.ย This move aligns with the countryโs broader crackdown to end any form of LGBT in the country.
The draft law received unanimous votesย on Monday, September 1st, 2025 from the 71 unelected members of the transitional parliament. This body has been in place since the military took power in two coups during 2022. The measure is part of a wider revision of the nation’s family and citizenship codes.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala explained the consequences on national broadcaster RTB. He stated that the law mandates prison terms of between two and five years, in addition to fines, for anyone found guilty of “homosexual or similar practices.” He confirmed that any individual accused of such acts would face a judge, and foreign nationals convicted would be deported from the country.
Government officials mentioned that the law would be explained to the public “through an awareness campaign.”
Before the military seized power three years ago, Burkina Faso did not have a specific law banning homosexuality. This change places it among the roughly thirty African countries where homosexuality is illegal.
Finally, ย Burkina Faso has joined other countries such as Mali, Ghana and Ugandaย in enacting an anti-homosexuality laws.
