The key facts
- Burkina Faso's parliament unanimously adopted a new Penal Code with the death penalty
- Capital punishment is provided for treason, terrorism and espionage
- The country abolished the death penalty in 2018; the government proposed the amendments in December 2025
Return of the Death Penalty
Burkina Faso's parliament approved a new Penal Code providing for the reinstatement of the death penalty eight years after its abolition. This was reported by the justice ministry of the West African state. 71 deputies of the Legislative Assembly voted for the decision; the amendments were adopted unanimously as part of a sweeping revision of the country's criminal legislation.
For Which Crimes
According to the new version of the code, the death penalty is provided for a number of especially grave crimes, including high treason, terrorism and espionage. The government proposed the corresponding changes back in December 2025.
The Authorities' Motives
The justice ministry explained the reform by the need to intensify the fight against crime and increase the effectiveness of the law enforcement system. The authorities also expect to strengthen public order and ensure the protection of the population.
Other Changes to the Code
The update of criminal legislation also affects other types of punishment: an expansion of the use of community service and increased fines for certain offenses are provided. Burkina Faso abandoned the death penalty in 2018 — now legislators have once again included it in the list of criminal punishments.
