The West African nation of Burkina Faso has this week moved to criminalise homosexuality for the first time in its history.
A former French colony, Burkina Faso was previously one of the few countries in the world to have never outlawed sex between men.
But under the new law passed by the country’s military junta on Monday, people convicted of homosexual acts can be jailed for two-to-five years.
The law was passed unanimously on Monday by the unelected members of the country’s “transitional government” that has been in power since the army overthrew Burkina Faso’s government in 2022.
Burkina Faso’s current leader is “Interim President” Ibrahim Traoré, a former army officer who has been in power since October of that year.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala told national broadcaster RTB said those convicted under the new law would also face fines along with prison time.
“If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge,” Bayala said.
Foreigners convicted under the law will be deported.
Human rights defenders speak out
The human rights group Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) condemned the move.
“DNOWA stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across Africa and strongly denounced the recent passage of a law in Burkina Faso criminalizing homosexuality,” the group’s executive director, Davis Mac-Iyalla said in a statement.
“This legislation … is a direct assault on human rights, spiritual dignity, and the principles of justice that should guide any legitimate governance.
“This law is not only inhumane—it is a dangerous distraction. At a time when citizens are calling for transparency, economic stability, and peace, the government has chosen to scapegoat LGBTQ+ individuals to deflect from its own failures. Such tactics erode public trust and deepen social divisions.
“LGBTQ+ people are not outsiders—we are part of Africa’s story, its spirit, and its future. Criminalizing our existence is a betrayal of our shared humanity and a denial of the continent’s rich diversity.”
“We urge regional and global allies to speak out, to protect those at risk, and to ensure that Africa’s future is not built on fear, but on freedom.”
Burkina Faso and neighbouring Mali were part of a group of former French colonies in Africa that did not criminalise homosexuality but Mali moved to outlaw homosexuality in November of last year.
By Andrew M Potts @QNEWS
