Burkina Faso’s military junta has approved a draft amendment to the family code that criminalizes homosexuality.
Previously, Burkina Faso was one of the 22 African countries that permitted same-sex relations, contrasting with the severe penalties, including death or lengthy prison terms, enforced in other states on the continent.
Since two successive coups in 2022, Burkina Faso has been under military rule and is now part of a confederation with neighboring Mali and Niger, both also under junta control. These interim governments have not held elections and have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies.
In a statement on Wednesday, the junta announced the adoption of the amended family code draft during a weekly council of ministers meeting led by interim military leader Ibrahim Traore.
Peoplesmind
