Burkina Faso Bans Homosexuality, Introduces Five-Year Jail Term

The military-led government of Burkina Faso has officially criminalised homosexuality, passing a law that prescribes up to five years in prison for same-sex relationships.

The legislation, which was unanimously adopted by 71 members of the transitional parliament installed after two coups in 2022, was announced on national broadcaster RTB by Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala.

“The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines,” Bayala stated, adding that foreign nationals found guilty would also face deportation.

The minister further explained that those engaging in what he described as “homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour,” would be prosecuted before a judge.

Officials confirmed that the new measure forms part of a broader reform of the country’s family and citizenship codes and would be rolled out alongside a national awareness campaign.

Burkina Faso now joins a growing list of African nations tightening laws against same-sex relationships. Homosexuality remains illegal in about 30 African countries.

Mali, a close ally also ruled by a junta, enacted a similar law in November 2024. Ghana and Uganda have recently toughened their anti-gay legislation, despite widespread international criticism. Uganda’s controversial law, for example, includes provisions making “aggravated homosexuality” punishable by death and imposes life imprisonment for consensual same-sex acts.

With this new legislation, Burkina Faso positions itself among the countries enforcing some of the harshest penalties against homosexuality in Africa.