Burkina Faso - December 2024

On 30 December, Burkina Faso's Transitional Legislative Assembly adopted a law granting amnesty for individuals convicted of participating in the failed coup attempt of 15 and 16 September 2015. To be eligible for the amnesty, the law requires applicants to acknowledge their involvement in the coup attempt and to demonstrate commitment to national defense efforts, good conduct during detention, and a willingness to be deployed in military operations. Analysts suggest that the amnesty aims to leverage the military and diplomatic expertise of figures like General Gilbert Diendéré and Djibril Bassolé in the fight against militant groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda. However, critics argue that this move undermines accountability and the rule of law in the country, potentially entrenching impunity and weakening governance institutions.

Sources: Voice of America, Radio France Internationale, Le360 Afrique, LeFaso.net, Transitional Legislative Assembly – Burkina Faso