New Burkinabè Constitution Removes French as Official Language

Burkinabè has adopted a bill revising its Constitution, enshrining national languages as official languages instead of French, which is relegated to the “working language.”

This is part of the transitional mission to strengthen democracy and consolidate the rule of law. The bill also provides for the establishment of traditional and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

While organisations like the High Court of Justice and the Mediator of Faso are eliminated, the Constitutional Council’s mandate is broadened. There is now constitutional protection for the National Intelligence Agency (ANR).

Hence, the bill is part of a larger effort to strengthen the country’s culture and rule of law, following a series of demonstrations for a new constitution. Burkinabè has moved away from France and closer to Moscow since Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s election.