President Ibrahim TRAORE enforces the new constitutional law...

The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, through a presidential decree dated Thursday, November 21, 2024, promulgated the new constitution of Burkina Faso, which was adopted by the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) on October 29. With this act, the new provisions of this fundamental law will come into effect within eight (08) days.

This revised constitution reflects the highest authorities’ desire to adapt the country’s fundamental law to the sociocultural realities and to establish good governance for the benefit of the people. The reform has made changes to several articles of the law, including one related to the national motto, which was altered to restore the former motto, “La Patrie ou la mort, nous vaincrons” (Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome). According to some opinions, this aims to revive patriotic spirit among the Burkinabe people.

The same text promulgated by the Head of State also amends Article 147 of the fundamental law, which now exceptionally allows the National Assembly to approve, by a three-quarter majority of votes cast and after advice from the Constitutional Council, agreements that would admit Burkina Faso into a confederation, federation, or union of African states.

According to reports, this change facilitates the country’s rapid membership in case of emergency, without the need for a referendum. Additionally, the modified Article 37 of the constitution creates a specific administration for the President of Faso, known as the “Presidency of Faso,” which assists him in carrying out his functions, missions, and prerogatives.