Burkina Faso changed policy on beauty-pageant permits in June, then restored capital punishment through an October penal-code vote, marking separate decisions on culture and criminal law.
NDTV reported that the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism announced the suspension on June 8 and stopped issuing permits. The ministry said the pause would continue until new rules were introduced to ensure pageants respected national traditions, cultural identity and social values.
NDTV also reported the government launched HAKILI Mousso in August, a national science competition for young women. Its 84 participants took part in a program focused on mathematics, physics and chemistry; students who excelled received awards and educational support. President Ibrahim Traore later met the winners and urged them to consider careers in science and technology.
The pause prompted disagreement over women’s choices. NDTV reported that some defended the freedom to pursue pageants, while others welcomed greater recognition of women’s academic achievements.
Separately, the Justice Ministry said the 71-member transitional assembly unanimously approved a revised penal code on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The code restored capital punishment for terrorism, treason and espionage, reversing the 2018 abolition. EconoTimes previously covered the assembly’s vote to restore the death penalty. NDTV reported that Burkina Faso’s last known execution took place in 1988.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala argued that tougher penalties would bolster national security and help counter terrorism. NDTV said Traore has led the country’s military government since taking power in September 2022.
Human Rights Watch warned that the restored penalty could target political opponents and further restrict civil liberties. Amnesty International opposes capital punishment as an irreversible breach of the right to life.
