Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Capt Ibrahim Traoré, is implementing significant changes to the nation’s marriage laws. The junta has declared a ban on homosexual acts, aligning Burkina Faso with several other African nations that have taken a firm stance against same-sex relations, despite objections from Western nations. Historically, homosexuality was not legally prohibited in Burkina Faso, although it was generally disapproved of within its socially conservative society. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced that the junta’s cabinet has approved new legislation to criminalize homosexual acts, although further details were not provided.

Since the military took control in 2022, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from former colonial power France and moved closer to Russia. This shift includes comprehensive legal reforms, among which the ban on homosexual acts is a notable example. In Russia, where homosexual acts were decriminalized in 1993, the government under President Vladimir Putin has also cracked down on the LGBTQ community, banning what it describes as “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.” Burkina Faso’s new legislation, which is part of a broader overhaul of marriage laws, awaits approval by the military-controlled parliament and endorsement by Capt Traoré. The laws will recognize only religious and customary marriages, explicitly criminalizing homosexuality and related practices.

Capt Traoré, who came to power by overthrowing Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba in September 2022, cited Damiba’s failure to address an Islamist insurgency as justification for the coup. Previously, Burkina Faso was one of 22 African nations where same-sex relations were not criminalized. Unlike many former British colonies, Burkina Faso did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws from its former colonizer, France, when it gained independence in 1960. Religiously, Burkina Faso’s population is predominantly Muslim (64%), with Christians making up 26%, and the remaining 10% following traditional African religions or having no faith.

In recent years, numerous African countries have intensified their opposition to the LGBTQ community. Uganda, for example, has enacted stringent laws against homosexuality, despite facing severe criticism from local and international rights organizations. In May, Uganda’s Constitutional Court upheld a law that includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” prompting significant international backlash. In Ghana, a new bill passed by parliament imposes severe penalties on individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. However, President Nana Akufo-Addo has not yet signed it into law, awaiting a court decision on its constitutionality. The Ghanaian finance ministry has warned of potential financial repercussions, including the loss of substantial World Bank funding.

Catholic Social Teachings and African Spirituality

From the perspective of Catholic Social Teachings, which emphasize the dignity of the human person, marriage is seen as a sacred union between a man and a woman. This belief underscores the Catholic Church’s opposition to homosexual unions, as it seeks to protect the traditional understanding of marriage and family. The Church advocates for a compassionate approach towards individuals with same-sex attractions, promoting love and respect while upholding its doctrinal beliefs.

African spirituality, which deeply influences the cultural and moral values across the continent, also typically holds traditional views on marriage. These spiritual traditions often regard marriage as a union fundamentally oriented towards procreation and community stability, thereby excluding homosexual unions. The rich tapestry of African spiritual beliefs underscores the significance of maintaining these values, reflecting a commitment to preserving cultural heritage and societal norms. Burkina Faso’s move to criminalize homosexual acts is part of a broader trend across Africa, where many nations are reaffirming their traditional values against growing international pressures.

Both Catholic Social Teachings and African spirituality provide frameworks that support the preservation of traditional marriage, reflecting deep-seated cultural and religious convictions. As Burkina Faso continues to navigate its political and social transformations, these influences remain pivotal in shaping its legal and moral landscape.

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In Pope Francis’ 4th encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, the fundamental truth that he imparts about our lives as Christians is the conviction that each person possesses an “inalienable dignity” (FT no. 27). Many times we criticize but we never listen.  If we are not so quick to condemn then lasting change will take place from the inside out, beginning with a reconciled relationship with God. This is the case at Ruiru Prisons where many have experienced the trauma of sudden separation from their families and social standing in society, and are vulnerable to feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, depression and guilt. The Christmas Season is all about giving hope and GCCM Africa, in conjunction with Capuchin Charities Kenya, was at the heart of implementing this noble course. 

Prison wardens are the top correctional officers in a prison facility, responsible for the safe and secure operation of the prisons they manage. Speaking to one of the prison wardens, “Life in prison is tough but it also equips the inmates to lead a normal life upon release whenever they search for jobs, the kind of training they undergo inside the prison prepares them to lead normal lives especially for the once serving shorter sentences or released on good behaviour. However, many face a lot of stigmatization mostly from their family members since they would not want to be associated with a former inmate for obvious reasons. The public needs to accept them, help them fit right into the society setting,” Alphonce, Prison Warden. “If the society does not accept them, the prisoners encounter challenges that contribute to the commission of a crime and return to prison. Additionally, released prisoners are at a very high risk of attaining physical or mental illnesses, exposed to substance abuse, therefore, we ensure that they undergo programs that address addiction and depression before release.”

In the care for creation, we are called to act, pray and reconcile with our brothers. We are custodians indeed and have the power to change the narrative. This will in turn influence the marginalised to learn to think in a new way, act in a new way, and relate to others in a new way. Prison can be a dark place, but we believe that there is a light that shines brighter than the shadows of prison. “We have had inmates who have successfully finished their course and are advocates of the High Court, others principals of prominent schools, because someone believed in them and gave them hope.”

It is time for society to change their mind set. 

Fr. Ben Ayodi, Programs Manager LSM Africa formerly (GCCM Africa) was touched by the humility of the inmates as he unwrapped gifts, handing them over to the wardens-in-charge. “Educating the prisoners with a structured set of doctrinal faith-based studies and job trainings that are geared towards enhancing their growth is basic and fundamental, it is commendable for the society “he said, as he applauded the Head of Prisons. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove that which is  good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).”

They say the secret to happiness is by helping others. If you want happiness for a long time, help somebody “for it is in giving that we receive”. What it takes is an inner change of perspective and attitude. If you want to change the world, then you ought to know that change begins with oneself. You can enhance these virtues by subscribing to our Laudato Si Animators courses and become a student. Love impels us towards universal communion (FT, 91)”, this draws us toward Pope Francis’ concept of social love. But how do we incarnate these truth? We need to embolden the structures by which we come to moral discernment in our world by being willing to denounce unjust attitudes and states of affairs, and by investing in social love to those in greatest need (FT, 187)”. 

^{Linda Makau is a Policy Analyst, Journalist and Media and Communications Strategist.}

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