Burkina Faso’s legislature adopted a new criminal code on the evening of 20 October 2026, restoring the death penalty for several offences. Reporting published on 21 October confirmed that all 71 legislators voting supported the text. This is a newly reported legislative development, not a vote held during the briefing window. (m.aa.com.tr)
The offences covered include terrorism, espionage, treason, parricide, and importing expired or prohibited products when this results in death. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala argued that capital punishment would strengthen deterrence, saying armed groups had recruited people by assuring them that imprisonment was the worst consequence of arrest. That is the government’s justification, rather than demonstrated evidence that executions would reduce recruitment. (m.aa.com.tr)
A wider tightening of criminal penalties
The revision extends beyond capital punishment. RFI reported that embezzlement of public funds above an unspecified threshold could attract life imprisonment and a fine equivalent to three times the amount stolen. Other fines are also being increased. (fr.allafrica.com)
Burkina Faso removed capital punishment from its ordinary criminal code in 2018; Anadolu reports that its last execution following a death sentence took place in 1988. The confirmed development is parliamentary adoption: the reporting reviewed does not establish a date for the first application of the restored penalty or announce any execution. (m.aa.com.tr)