Tue Sep 02 12:43:41 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Burkina Faso has enacted a law criminalizing homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of two to five years and fines for those found guilty. Foreign nationals convicted under the law will also be deported. The law was passed unanimously by the transitional government, which has been in power since the 2022 military coups. The government claims the law is part of broader family and citizenship reforms, while rights activists are criticizing it as a violation of human rights. Burkina Faso joins a growing number of African countries penalizing homosexuality, following similar moves by Mali and intensified laws in Uganda and Ghana.

**News Article:**

**Burkina Faso Criminalizes Homosexuality, Imposes Prison Sentences**

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso has officially banned homosexuality, with those convicted facing prison sentences ranging from two to five years, along with fines. The new law, unanimously passed by the 71 unelected members of the transitional government on Monday, was announced by Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala on state broadcaster RTB.

Bayala stated that individuals found engaging in “homosexual or similar practices” would be brought before a judge, and foreign nationals convicted under the law would be deported. The legislation is expected to take effect immediately and is framed as part of broader reforms to family and citizenship laws. The government plans to launch an awareness campaign to promote the new law.

However, human rights activists are expected to strongly condemn the legislation, citing violations of fundamental rights and limitations on legal recourse. The military government, in power since the 2022 coups, has faced accusations of human rights abuses, including arrests and conscription of critics.

Burkina Faso joins a growing number of African nations criminalizing homosexuality. Neighboring Mali adopted similar laws in November 2024, and countries like Uganda and Ghana have recently strengthened their anti-homosexuality laws, drawing international criticism. Uganda’s law includes provisions for life imprisonment and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

The move in Burkina Faso is likely to further fuel debates about human rights and LGBTQ+ rights across the African continent and internationally.

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