Burkina Faso’s military government has officially criminalized homosexuality, sparking strong criticism from rights groups that accuse the junta of escalating its crackdown on personal freedoms.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the measure in a public address, warning offenders that “you will go before the judge.”
The new law adds to mounting concerns about authoritarian practices under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in September 2022 after the country’s second coup that year.
The junta initially justified its takeover as necessary to stabilize Burkina Faso amid a worsening jihadist insurgency and to restore better governance.
However, human rights organizations say the regime has instead tightened its grip through censorship, mass arrests, forced military conscription of critics, and now, an expansion of legal repression targeting LGBTQ communities.
Since assuming power, Traoré has also positioned himself as a pan-African leader, championing rhetoric of independence from the West.
His message, often centered on reclaiming African sovereignty, has resonated with many young Africans but has raised alarm internationally, where observers fear the consolidation of authoritarian rule.
Critics argue the new anti-LGBTQ law is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and align with conservative currents across Africa that reject Western human rights models.
Rights defenders are calling for international pressure on Burkina Faso to repeal the measure and uphold fundamental freedoms.