Burkina Faso reinstates death penalty
The People's Legislative Assembly voted unanimously to bring back capital punishment for terrorism and treason.
Burkina Faso has reintroduced the death penalty for crimes including terrorism and treason. On October 20, the 71 unelected members of the People's Legislative Assembly voted unanimously to pass the bill, which was first adopted in December 2025.
Leader Ibrahim Traoré declared, "Sentimentalism is over," as the assembly approved the reinstatement of capital punishment. This decision aligns Burkina Faso with its allies in the Alliance des États du Sahel.
Non-governmental organizations have expressed concern that this move could threaten critical voices within the country. The death penalty was previously removed from the penal code but has now been reinstated.
Why it mattersCitizens in Burkina Faso now face capital punishment for offenses such as terrorism and treason.