Ibrahim Traore, head of Burkina Faso military junta
Burkina Faso’s military rulers have passed a new law criminalising same-sex relationships in the country.
The transitional parliament — an unelected body of 71 members appointed after two coups in 2022 — unanimously adopted the legislation on Monday.
The junta described the law as part of broader reforms to family and citizenship legislation.
Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, the justice minister, announced the development on state-run broadcaster RTB.
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Bayala said the law prescribes prison terms of between two and five years as well as fines.
He said anyone suspected of engaging in homosexual or “similar practices” as well as “all bizarre behaviour” would be prosecuted.
He added that foreign nationals convicted under the legislation would face deportation.
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The law is now awaiting the signature of military leader Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in 2022 after ousting Paul-Henri Damiba. His endorsement would mark the final step before it takes effect.
Until now, Burkina Faso was one of the few African countries where same-sex relationships were legal.
Unlike many former British colonies, it did not inherit anti-homosexuality statutes at independence from France in 1960. But the largely conservative and religious nation has increasingly shifted toward restrictive policies.
There has been significant backlash against African countries that have toughened their anti-gay stance in recent years. Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda are among those that have enacted such legislation.
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Last year, Mali, under its military rule, adopted a similar law criminalising homosexuality.
