Burkina Faso Passes Amnesty Law for 2015 Coup Leaders

Burkina Faso’s government adopts an amnesty law for individuals involved in the 2015 coup, sparking mixed reactions from citizens and political observers.

The government of Burkina Faso has approved a new bill that will provide amnesty to individuals convicted in relation to the unsuccessful 2015 coup.

The Minister of Justice stated that they must first acknowledge the facts, demonstrate good behavior, and be prepared for operational deployment in combating terrorism.

In 2015, a faction of soldiers from the nation’s elite Presidential Security Regiment—loyal to deposed President Blaise Campaore—sought to dissolve the transitional government just weeks ahead of democratic elections.

In 2014, Campaore was compelled to leave office due to widespread protests triggered by his efforts to amend the constitution and prolong his 27-year reign. Consequently, he fled the country.

The power grab that lasted a week was unsuccessful due to opposition from segments of the army and the public, resulting in several high-ranking officers being sentenced to prison terms in 2019.

Appeal judgments are yet to be decided after the trial, but according to the justice minister, the amnesty law could compensate for delays in the judicial process and resolve the situation.

He mentioned that the individuals affected by the amnesty will be specified in an upcoming decree.

The proposed legislation has elicited varied responses, with some viewing it as a constructive move towards reconciliation and others expressing doubts about its motives and potential consequences.

After the unsuccessful coup in 2015, President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré emerged victorious in what was hailed as the country’s first peaceful and fair election in five decades.

However, he was ousted in a military-led insurgency in January 2022. Nine months later, this was followed by a second coup whose leader remains in power.