Politics & Government Guide · Burkina FasoPolitics & Government Guide in Burkina Faso
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Burkina Faso is under a military-led transitional government headed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré following two 2022 coups. Political parties are banned, civil society repressed, and the transition to civilian rule extended to 2029 amid ongoing security crises. Recent legislative changes include criminalizing homosexuality and plans to reinstate the death penalty.
Government Type
Military-led transitional presidential republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
Transitional President Ibrahim Traoré(since 2022)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo(None)since 2024
Legislature
Voting Rights
Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over; elections suspended during transition period until at least 2029
Recent Developments
- Transition period extended by five years in May 2024, delaying elections until at least July 2029
- Political parties suspended since September 2022
- New Personal and Family Code adopted on September 1, 2025, criminalizing homosexuality and setting marriage age at 18
- Draft legislation to reinstate death penalty adopted by Council of Ministers on December 4, 2025
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