Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers has adopted a bill to reinstate the death penalty, targeting serious offenses such as treason, terrorism, and espionage. According to authorities, the move is part of broader reforms aimed at creating a justice system that aligns with the country’s popular aspirations. Minister of Justice Edasso Rodrigue Bayala stated on Facebook that the adoption of this bill reflects the government’s efforts to reform the justice sector.

The West African country had abolished the death penalty in 2018. However, the current military-led government, which took power in a 2022 coup, has been introducing sweeping reforms. These reforms include postponing elections that were expected to restore civilian rule and dissolving the country’s independent electoral commission. The bill to reinstate the death penalty must now be approved by parliament and reviewed by the courts before it becomes law.

In recent years, Burkina Faso has faced criticism for its treatment of critical media outlets and journalists. The government has suspended the BBC and Voice of America radio stations and arrested prominent journalists, citing their coverage of sensitive topics such as human rights abuses and military actions. The country is one of several in West Africa where military governments have taken power, often citing security concerns and public dissatisfaction with previous democratically elected governments.

Burkina Faso is struggling with a severe security crisis, particularly in the Sahel region, where extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have been active. The landlocked nation of 23 million people has been shaken by violence and terrorism, which has put a significant strain on its resources and stability. The decision to reinstate the death penalty is likely to be closely watched by international human rights organizations and the global community, given the country’s recent record on human rights and press freedom.

The next steps for the bill will be crucial, as it moves through the parliamentary and judicial review process. The international community will be monitoring the situation closely, given the implications for human rights and the rule of law in the region. As the situation develops, it is essential to consider the broader context of security, governance, and human rights in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region.