In Burkina Faso, members of the LGBTQ community say they are bracing for a wave of persecution following the adoption of a new anti-gay law. Many fear it will embolden citizens to “hunt down” anyone suspected of being gay, pushing an already vulnerable group even further into hiding.
Quentin, a young man whose identity has been protected for safety reasons, said the legislation will leave no room for peace. “With this law, there will be no more respite. People will feel it is their mission to track us down,” he told Zoyols Blog.
The ruling military junta introduced the measure earlier this month as part of a new family code. Though it has not yet taken effect, the law criminalises same-sex relationships with penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences of up to five years. Authorities defended the decision as consistent with the country’s customs and traditions, rejecting what they call “Western values.”
Until now, same-sex relations had not been outlawed in Burkina Faso, even as discrimination and stigma remained widespread. That changed after the military seized power in a double coup in 2022, with rights groups warning of increasing hostility.
For activists like Alex, the consequences have already become visible. Attendance at his LGBTQ association has dropped sharply, as fear of exposure grows. “With this law, people can out us to the authorities. Outings on social media, with photos, are becoming more common. Some even share lists of where we meet,” he explained.
Another activist, Phoenix, warned that the climate of hostility could escalate into deadly violence. “The community is faced with extreme risks. People are capable of going as far as murder,” he said.
In response, organisations have adjusted their work to avoid suspicion, holding gatherings that blend into wider communities and delivering support directly to people’s homes. This includes medical care such as HIV prevention kits and blood tests — services too risky for many to seek openly.
The fear has left some considering leaving the country altogether. “We’re all under threat. Some are thinking of quitting the country,” Alex said. “But if we leave, who will remain to help those still here?”
Burkina Faso’s decision mirrors a growing trend across Africa, where roughly 30 out of 54 countries already outlaw same-sex relations. Neighbouring Mali passed a similar law late last year, while other governments continue tightening restrictions despite criticism from Western nations and human rights groups.
For Quentin, survival now means total secrecy. “Few people even know I’m gay, not my family, not my friends,” he said, explaining the constant pressure to marry. “I will continue to live my life well hidden. I won’t risk putting my life in danger by making my sexuality public.”
— Zoyols Blog
