Burkina Faso: National languages will now take the lead, relegating French to the status of “Language of Work”
Burkina Faso has announced a revision of its Constitution, now designating national languages as official languages, relegating French to the status of a “working language.” The decision, adopted as part of institutional reforms during the political transition, aims to strengthen democratic culture and the rule of law. This modification aligns with a regional trend, following Mali’s earlier adoption of a similar measure earlier in the year.
In addition to the change in language status, the bill proposes several other modifications, including the establishment of traditional and alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution. The Constitutional Council also sees its roles expanded, while certain institutions such as the High Court of Justice and the Mediator of Burkina Faso are abolished. Simultaneously, the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) sees its status strengthened and enshrined in the Constitution.
This initiative follows months of protests calling for a new Constitution in Burkina Faso. Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in September 2022, had previously announced a partial modification of the Constitution.
Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela emphasizes that this constitutional revision is a matter of political, economic, and cultural sovereignty, highlighting the importance of defining one’s own concepts independently of foreign models.
Since Captain Traoré assumed power, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from France, its former colonial power, and strengthened ties with Moscow. This shift occurs within a context where the region faces significant security challenges, with an escalation of jihadist violence since 2015 that has resulted in over 17.000 deaths in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
