By : Lloyd Mahachi

Burkina Faso’s military regime is considering reinstating the death penalty, which was abolished in the country in 2018. This move comes after a recent surge in the use of the death penalty across the African continent. The decision to reconsider capital punishment is part of a broader trend in the region, with Amnesty International reporting that while 24 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, others are moving in the opposite direction.

Before its abolition, capital punishment in Burkina Faso was reserved for severe crimes such as murder, treason, and attempted murder of a paternal relative. However, it was more common for convicts to receive penalties mandating imprisonment rather than the death penalty. The country’s last official execution was carried out in 1988. Kenya and Zimbabwe have bills tabled to abolish the death penalty, while Gambia has initiated a constitutional amendment process to effectively abolish it.

The move to reinstate the death penalty has been met with concern from human rights groups. Yves Traoré, Director of Amnesty International Burkina Faso, has stated that the organization opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature of the crime. The death penalty violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and there is no credible evidence that it deters crime.

Burkina Faso’s decision to reinstate the death penalty raises questions about the country’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The international community is watching closely as the country navigates this complex issue. Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala has confirmed that the government is discussing the reintroduction of capital punishment, citing the need to follow the vision and guidelines of Captain Ibrahim Traore, the country’s military leader.

This move comes amid other contentious decisions by the Burkinabe government, including a bill to ban homosexuality passed in July. The government’s actions have sparked debate and concern among human rights advocates and the international community. The implications of reinstating the death penalty are far-reaching, and many are calling for the government to reconsider its decision and uphold human rights standards.

The international community’s response to Burkina Faso’s decision will be crucial in determining the country’s trajectory on human rights issues. As the situation unfolds, human rights organizations and concerned governments will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the protection of human rights in Burkina Faso.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi